Despite the emergence of micro credit in the UK, theory and evidence is relatively sparse when compared to equivalent work in developing countries. Importantly, in this 'new' context distinct challenges are posed by the moreMcomplex relationship between microcredit and government caused by, more generally, government's interest in alternative pathways to wellbeing, and, more specifically, (dis )incentives for participation in micro credit due to provision of welfare. Demand-side market failures may have ramifications for government in terms of policy responses if the potential impact of microcredit is deemed to justify pUblic resource expenditure. Consequently assessing its impact, including social impact, is important This is particularly so in the UK, as microcredit has been conceptualised as a stimulant to the determinants of health and there exists a recognised need for 'other', nonMNHS, means of acting on health. This thesis extends theory, and generates and evaluates evidence to increase and deepen the understanding of microcredit for enterprise in the UK, with an emphasis on its possible health impacts. Three substantive pieces of work are combined in this thesis. Firstly, the theoretical work of UK micro credit scholars is built upon and extended; focusing on the financial and social implications that could affect an individual's decision to seek a microcredit loan for enterprise. Secondly, a novel qualitative study explores the need for, and understandings of microcredit for enterprise together with issues of sustainability and the perceived impact of it on borrowers in the UK. Finally, a systematic review examines the effect of microcredit interventions on health, with equivocal findings. Thus the contributions of this doctoral work strengthens the theoretical and empirical base of microcredit in the UK, and lays the groundwork for future research, which is of growing importance given the expanding role of microcredit in this context.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:687400 |
| Date | January 2015 |
| Creators | McHugh, Neil |
| Publisher | Glasgow Caledonian University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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