The rapid growth of the microfinance sector has attracted a considerable amount of research claiming controversial results, whereby some support, and others not, the assumption that microfinance can promote income-generating activities (IGAs). This article advocates looking beyond microfinance in making such correlations. It attempts to demonstrate that the livelihood framework can be useful in such assessment. The article proposes this framework, given its scope for exploring and drawing attention to women’s strategies, their motivations, skills, knowledge, and capabilities, which the article argues are the focal points in understanding women’s role in generating income. Using qualitative data (life experiences of six women) from two villages in Tamil Nadu, South India, the article demonstrates the significance of paying attention to socioeconomic dynamics through this approach.
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