Gender, society, and financial inclusion: Evidence from matrilineal and patriarchal societies

Shahriar, Abu Zafar M. and Shukla, Avanish Kumar and Peranginangin, Yessy (2025) Gender, society, and financial inclusion: Evidence from matrilineal and patriarchal societies. Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Volume (94). pp. 1-13. ISSN 0927-538X

Text (Women in matrilineal communities are more likely to adopt and use bank accounts) - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 23 September 2026. Available under License Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication. Download (706kB)

Abstract

We study how societal gender norms shape women’s access to and use of formal banking services. Using randomized controlled experiments in matrilineal and patriarchal communities, we offered unbanked women financial incentives to open either a conventional or mobile bank account. Women in matrilineal communities were more likely to open and use accounts, regardless of type. In patriarchal communities, where mobility is restricted, mobile accounts were more effective. Account ownership improved women’s financial capability, with stronger impacts in matrilineal settings. Our findings highlight the importance of gender norms in shaping financial behavior and the potential of mobile banking in restrictive environments.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Gender relations Financial inclusion Financial capability Randomized controlled tri
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HG Finance
Divisions:	School of Business and Management (SBM)
Depositing User:	Dr Avanish Shukla
Date Deposited:	25 Sep 2025 23:48
Last Modified:	25 Sep 2025 23:48
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/15167

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