Document Type
Working Paper
Publication Date
2-24-2016
College/Unit
Chambers College of Business and Economics
Document Number
16-13
Department/Program/Center
Economics
Abstract
We ask whether access to microfinance loans by the poor has a spillover effect on their pro‐social behaviors. An experimental field study in southern, rural Uganda is conducted using free riding in public goods contributions as an assessment. We document higher levels of contributions by those who have previously received a microloan. This effect cannot be explained by changes in social norms, income effects, or sample selection bias. The results suggest that exposure to microfinance promotes social preferences.
Digital Commons Citation
McCannon, Bryan C. and Rodriguez, Zachary, "The Impact of Microfinance on Pro- Social Behaviors: Experimental Evidence of Public Goods Contributions in Uganda" (2016). Economics Faculty Working Papers Series. 197.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/econ_working-papers/197