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Representations of Women in Microcredit Promotional Materials: The Case of Espoir Ecuador
Author(s) -
ValenciaFourcans Lidia,
Hawkins Roberta
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of international development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.533
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1099-1328
pISSN - 0954-1748
DOI - 10.1002/jid.3136
Subject(s) - conceptualization , neoliberalism (international relations) , power (physics) , sociology , microfinance , gender studies , gender equality , political science , economic growth , political economy , economics , physics , quantum mechanics , artificial intelligence , computer science
Abstract In this paper, we explore the nature and practices of representations of women in microcredit promotional discourses. Based on the case of Espoir, a microcredit non‐governmental organization in Ecuador, we argue that the representations of women in microcredit promotional discourses have been reshaped increasingly by neoliberal configurations of power. These discourses reinforce the conceptualization of women as key actors in the development process—of their households and communities, and Ecuador as a nation. This conceptualization elicits conflicting and contradictory implications that may empower women but exacerbate neoliberal understandings of development that can undermine gender equality. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.