Organizational structure, gender, credit, and performance in the handloom sector in west Bengal, India: A comparative literature study

The handloom sector in West Bengal remains an important source of livelihood but faces challenges of low productivity, weak market linkages, and limited access to credit. This study examines how different organizational forms, i.e., independent, cooperative, and tied arrangements, affect the performance and sustainability of weaving units, with a focus on the roles of gender and financial access. Based on a review of existing literature and a comparative analytical framework, the study highlights significant variations in efficiency, autonomy, and risk across organizational structures. It also finds persistent gender disparities, particularly in access to credit and economic returns. The paper concludes that effective policy must account for organizational diversity and gender-specific constraints while strengthening inclusive credit systems to improve outcomes in the handloom sector.