Microfinance in India, Indonesia, and the United States: Implications for social work

Abstract

This study explores the relevance of microfinance to social work in India, Indonesia, and the United States. Interviews with microfinance practitioners and social work educators and a comparison of the Master of Social Work (MSW) curricula in these countries identified the values, skills, and educational opportunities shared between the two fields. Microfinance resonates with core social work values and benefits from social work skills such as holistic assessment, interpersonal and group skills, and community organizing. Although the connection was most evident in India, microfinance has potential to be further engaged in social work profession and education in other countries.