Women's empowerment and power relations: Evidence from Grameen Bank China

Women's empowerment fundamentally shifts power relations, a systematic process of removing deeply embedded unequal power structures. Drawing upon qualitative data from Grameen Bank China (GBC) and an inductive case study, this paper asserts an empowering methodology based on preconditions for m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Women's studies international forum 2024-03, Vol.103, p.102882, Article 102882
Main Authors: You, Wenpei, Badertscher, Kathi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Empowerment
Gender inequality
Power relations
Praxis
Relational justice
Self-governance
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Summary:Women's empowerment fundamentally shifts power relations, a systematic process of removing deeply embedded unequal power structures. Drawing upon qualitative data from Grameen Bank China (GBC) and an inductive case study, this paper asserts an empowering methodology based on preconditions for membership and three mechanisms through which traditional gendered hierarchical power relations shift: relational justice, self-governance, and repetitive praxis. Women's empowerment, to achieve equal and shared relationships, is neither imposed on women nor naturally occurring among poor rural Chinese women. The findings suggest a development intervention and the crucial front-line worker who facilitates empowerment by “nudging” GBC women borrowers to empower themselves.
ISSN:0277-5395
1879-243X
DOI:10.1016/j.wsif.2024.102882