Guérin Isabelle, D'Espallier B., Venkatasubramanian G. (2013). Debt in rural South India : fragmentation, social regulation and discrimination. Journal of Development Studies, 49 (9), p. 1155-1171. ISSN 0022-0388.
Titre du document
Debt in rural South India : fragmentation, social regulation and discrimination
Guérin Isabelle, D'Espallier B., Venkatasubramanian G.
Source
Journal of Development Studies, 2013,
49 (9), p. 1155-1171 ISSN 0022-0388
This micro-level study combines multivariate and qualitative analyses to highlight the fragmented nature of debt in southern Indian rural households. It finds that debt is socially regulated in the sense that social interactions shape the cost, use and access to debt. Caste, social class and location affect how individuals borrow varying amounts from distinct money providers, for varied purposes and at differing costs. Debt thus is not purely an economic but first and foremost a social transaction which inscribes debtors and creditors into local systems of hierarchies. Furthermore, we find that debt is an illustration and catalyst of broader socio-economic and political trends, namely a lack of social protection, persistent under-employment and rising consumerism. In terms of policy implications, the study highlights the ambiguities and illusions inherent to financial inclusion' policies aiming to eradicate informal debt.
Plan de classement
Développement économique / Aménagement du territoire [095]
;
Economie et sociologie rurale [098]
