Crises, setbacks and chronic problems-the determinants of economic stress events among poor households in India

This study analyses the incidence, frequency, costs and subsequent coping strategies of economic stress events which disrupt the household economy among poor self-employed women organized by SEWA, a grassroots development NGO. An analysis of the determinants of stress levels reveals that women who were members in SEWA for longer periods, who held savings accounts in SEWA Bank and who provided greater earnings share to total family income had fewer stresses. The analysis underscores the positive effect of programs in financial service, social security, co-operative and trade union activities. The findings lend support to arguments in favour of the efficacy of credit-plus rather than minimalist creict programmes for poor women. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.