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Ireland’s Peculiar Microfinance Revolution, c. 1836-1845

Author

Listed:
  • Eoin McLaughlin

    (Cork University Business School, University College Cork)

  • Rowena Pecchenino

    (Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth)

Abstract

In the decade before the famine, Ireland experienced a boom in Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). This paper analyses the motivations of MFI proponents and practitioners, and finds evidence linking the boom in MFIs with the introduction of the poor law in 1838. Many contemporary writers saw microfinance as a complex tax avoidance/reduction scheme that could lessen the burden on rate payers by helping the poor help themselves. The link between MFIs and the poor law is confirmed by an econometric analysis of MFIs at the level of the poor law union.

Suggested Citation

  • Eoin McLaughlin & Rowena Pecchenino, 2019. "Ireland’s Peculiar Microfinance Revolution, c. 1836-1845," Discussion Papers in Environment and Development Economics 2019-02, University of St. Andrews, School of Geography and Sustainable Development.
    • Handle: RePEc:sss:wpaper:2019-02
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Glaser, Stephanie, 2017. "A review of spatial econometric models for count data," Hohenheim Discussion Papers in Business, Economics and Social Sciences 19-2017, University of Hohenheim, Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences.
    2. KONDO Keisuke, 2016. "Introduction to Spatial Econometric Analysis: Creating spatially lagged variables in Stata," Discussion papers 16901, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    microfinance; inequality; development; Ireland;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • N23 - Economic History - - Financial Markets and Institutions - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • N33 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • N83 - Economic History - - Micro-Business History - - - Europe: Pre-1913

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