Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Economics

First Advisor

Smriti Tiwari

Second Advisor

Matt Lucas

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between participation in microcredit programs and child maltreatment in households in Vietnam. Using cross-sectional data from the UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 6 (2020–2021), the study investigates whether access to financial assistance through microcredit may be related to parenting behavior. The analysis uses logistic regression models to estimate the association between microcredit participation and various forms of child abuse. Control variables include household and demographic characteristics such as education, gender, and socioeconomic status to isolate the effect of microcredit.

The findings suggest that households receiving microcredit are associated with higher odds of child maltreatment, particularly in cases of physical abuse, while the relationship varies across different types of assistance programs and wealth groups. Rather than alleviating stress, microcredit participation may be linked to increased financial pressure within households, potentially contributing to harsher disciplinary practices.

Download

Included in

Economics Commons

Share

COinS