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Hierarchical microcredit networks: Lending and borrowing cliques in self-help groups in Phnom Penh

Steve Kwok-Leung Chan (Department of Sociology, Keimyung University, Daegu, The Republic of Korea)

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy

ISSN: 0144-333X

Article publication date: 7 August 2018

Issue publication date: 20 September 2018

197

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the microcredit system, social networks within self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-entrepreneurial activities at the grassroots aiming at well-being, sustainability and income generation. The empirical study took place in Phnom Penh.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group and in-depth interviews were employed. Two SHGs in Phnom Penh were selected for this study. The social network approach was used to distinguish the type of nodes and cliques within SHGs.

Findings

The result suggests that there exist lending and borrowing nodes and cliques. Strong ties exist within a clique and only weak ties link between cliques. Job and business information transmits well on weak ties but not entrepreneurship. This explains the failure of the process of microcredit in fostering microenterprise among very poor and low-educated borrowers.

Research limitations/implications

The findings were based on a small sample from two SHGs. Further study is needed for justification of the findings.

Originality/value

It was original research which took place in Phnom Penh. Homogeneous lending and borrowing cliques in microcredit networks were identified. A model of hierarchical microcredit network was hypothesized to explain how some members of a SHG are able to utilize the credit in starting up their microbusinesses while others failed.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

It is a pleasure to to express the authors’ appreciation to the NGOs in Phnom Penh, namely, Urban Poor Women Development, Urban Poor Development Fund, Partnership for Development in Kampuchea and Asian Coalition for Housing Rights. During the fieldwork in Phnom Penh, the community workers of these organizations shared their insight with the author. Potential interviewees were recruited or referred for the focus groups and in-depth interviews. Without their assistance, this empirical research would not have been completed.

Citation

Chan, S.K.-L. (2018), "Hierarchical microcredit networks: Lending and borrowing cliques in self-help groups in Phnom Penh", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 38 No. 11/12, pp. 1008-1023. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSSP-06-2017-0078

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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