This book provides a much-needed historical, political and economic dimension to the current knowledge on microfinance. Collectively, the contributors chart the relationship between the prevailing popularity of microfinance and the consolidation of neo-liberal economic ideology worldwide.

Examining current macro-economic trends this volume analyses the historical confluence of microfinance with feminist notions of empowerment. This book explores the processes and the extent to which gender hierarchies are institutionalized in development, and examines the ensuing implications. Microfinance offers programmatic and procedural guidelines for designing microfinance programs-and practicing a kind of development more generally-that could engage women's solidarity to challenge existing patterns of subordination.

Microfinance will prove essential reading for students, academics and practitioners in development economics, gender studies and social and cultural anthropology.