ETHNOGRAPHIC LIVELIHOOD STUDIES: THE MINUTIAE OF MICROLOANS

Abstract

Microfinance and microcredit are a central aspect of development around the globe. This article argues that the best way to examine microlending is through long-term ethnographic research incorporating a livelihood studies framework. A year-long study in rural Nicaragua illustrates the use of ethnographic livelihood studies as a method for examining the use of microcredit and microfinance loans and their incorporation in people's economic decisions. Combined with political economy, this method for examining household economic strategies provides an in-depth, contextualized understanding of the choices made by household members as they struggle to make ends meet.