SocioSphere: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): JANUARI 2026
Articles

The Impact of Microfinance Intervention on Family Harmony: Gender and Social Perspectives from Probolinggo, Indonesia

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  • Nur Indah,
  • Sinta Ma’sumah
Nur Indah
Institut Ahmad Dahlan Probolinggo
Sinta Ma’sumah
Institut Ahmad Dahlan Probolinggo

Published 2025-08-18

Keywords

  • Microfinance, Family Harmony, Gender Roles, Social Perspective, Women, Empowerment

Copyright (c) 2025 Nur Indah, Sinta Ma’sumah (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Microfinance has long been regarded as a tool for improving household welfare, yet its effects on intra family dynamics particularly from a gender and social perspective remain underexplored. This study aims to examine the impact of financial interventions by Bank Mekar on family harmony in Sumber Taman, Probolinggo City, focusing on how such interventions reshape gender roles and social expectations within households. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, using a case study method and in depth interviews with women borrowers to gather nuanced insights into their lived experiences. Thematic analysis revealed that while financial interventions contributed to increased economic stability, they also placed additional emotional and social burdens on women, especially those balancing domestic responsibilities with leadership roles in borrower groups. The study identifies a novel intersection between financial empowerment and emotional labour, highlighting how economic gains can simultaneously reinforce and challenge traditional gender norms. Unlike previous studies that emphasise economic outcomes alone, this research provides a deeper understanding of the socio emotional trade offs involved. The findings suggest that microfinance initiatives must move beyond financial metrics and incorporate gender sensitive and socially inclusive strategies. Such a shift is essential not only to enhance economic well being but also to support sustainable family harmony and gender equity within the broader context of community development.

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