Social Interactions and Socio-economic Outcomes: Evidence from Savings
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Date
2014-12
Authors
Bisht, Biraj
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Using data from a recent field experiment in Uganda, I use a fixed-effects
model to estimate the effects of financial inclusion on the evolution of social
interactions among its members. The results in my thesis indicate that social
interactions increases among all members in a savings group, in particular there
is a significant increase among non-vulnerable participants. The results also
suggest strong presence of social benefits among some participants as a result
of membership in informal savings and lending groups. Since higher social
trust facilitates efficient economic exchanges, my findings suggest that informal
savings groups have potential to build economically valuable social capital.
Description
45 pages. A thesis presented to the Department of Economics and the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Science, Fall 2014.
Keywords
Economics, Finance, VSLA, Social capital, Uganda, Informal Savings Group, Social interactions, Vulnerable