A Context Specific Framework for Measurement of Empowerment Resulting from Poverty Reduction Intervention
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Abstract
Academicians differ on the construct of empowerment. Empowerment measured in the context of poverty reduction program introduced in different settings world over has demanded different measurement frameworks. Empowerment itself is one of the most disputed concepts to be handled while interpreting the benefits of poverty interventions. It is, therefore, important to state clearly how the concept will be interpreted and evaluated in each context. The current discussion is about the framework devised for the State of Kerala, one of the most advanced states in the largest democracy in the world, India. The framework becomes relevant because of the several unique features of the state of Kerala, which are quite distinctive from many other places where microfinance has been found to be successful. The paper discusses a conceptual framework for measuring the level of empowerment resulting from microfinance in the State of Kerala.
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