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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 September 2022

Puteri Nur Farah Naadia Mohd Fauzi and Mohamad Akram Laldin

This study aims to assess the availability of micro-takāful (micro-Islamic insurance) schemes for the protection of houses belonging to low-income groups in Malaysia.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the availability of micro-takāful (micro-Islamic insurance) schemes for the protection of houses belonging to low-income groups in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is conducted via desk research and interview discussions with representatives from takāful operators and key stakeholders.

Findings

Findings of the study confirm the importance of micro-takāful as a scheme for the protection of low-income groups. Micro-takāful schemes in Malaysia are, however, skewed towards the protection of health, life and family. The study finds little industry interest in the provision of micro-takāful schemes for the protection of houses for low-income groups. This represents another important area that takāful operators should take into consideration in their planning.

Research limitations/implications

The paper will help the Majlis Agama Islam Negeri-Negeri (MAINs), the regulator, takāful operators and government agencies such as Jabatan Wakaf, Zakat dan Haji (JAWHAR) to generate awareness and promote the offering of micro-takāful schemes for the protection of houses belonging to low-income groups in Malaysia.

Practical implications

In light of the limited availability of micro-takāful schemes for the protection of houses for low-income groups, this study argues that takāful operators should offer and promote them.

Social implications

The study is significant for fulfilling the need of low-income groups in Malaysia to protect their houses in the event of catastrophes so that they will not suffer significant losses. Rather, micro-takāful will assist them in improving their standard of living.

Originality/value

This study promotes the idea that it is essential to facilitate the low-income groups with appropriate coverage made available to them; micro-takāful schemes in protecting their houses and home contents, should any defined calamities occur. The outcomes are necessary for further development of micro-takāful models, specifically for the protection of properties. The developed model shall be proposed for application in the Malaysian takāful and housing industry to facilitate low-income groups to obtain protection for their household and home contents.

Details

ISRA International Journal of Islamic Finance, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0128-1976

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2021

Dengdeng Wanyan and Zijian Wang

This article aims to provide reference for government departments and public cultural institutions in strengthening the provision of public cultural services for low-income groups

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to provide reference for government departments and public cultural institutions in strengthening the provision of public cultural services for low-income groups, improving services methods and fostering their cultural awareness and cultural rights.

Design/methodology/approach

Evidence from an empirical study on representative small and medium-sized cities.

Findings

This paper defines the specific aspects of the difficulties faced by urban low-income people in obtaining public cultural services, and it is no longer limited to analyze the causes behind these difficulties from a specific perspective.

Originality/value

The difficulties faced by urban low-income people in obtaining public cultural services are mainly reflected in the following four aspects: external condition pressure, individual condition limitations, service supply difference and feedback mechanism failure.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 40 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 26 August 2015

Andrew Heisz, Geranda Notten and Jerry Situ

This research explores how skill proficiencies are distributed between low-income and not-in low-income groups using the results of a highly complex survey of the…

Abstract

This research explores how skill proficiencies are distributed between low-income and not-in low-income groups using the results of a highly complex survey of the information-processing skills of Canadians between the ages of 16 and 65. We find that having measures of skills enhances our understanding of the correlates of low income. Skills have an independent effect, even when controlling for other known correlates of low income, and their inclusion reduces the independent effect of education and immigrant status. This result is relevant for public policy development as the knowledge of the skills profile of the low-income population can inform the design of efficient and effective programmes.

Details

Measurement of Poverty, Deprivation, and Economic Mobility
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-386-0

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1999

Emmanuel J. Chéron, Hélène Boidin and Naoufel Daghfous

The increase of competition in the banking industry has resulted in more attention to profitability and reduced interest in low‐income customers. Fulfilment of financial services…

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Abstract

The increase of competition in the banking industry has resulted in more attention to profitability and reduced interest in low‐income customers. Fulfilment of financial services needs of low‐income customers is perceived as either information lacking about financial products or providing services at an affordable charge. Attitudes and behaviours of a probabilistic representative sample of 3,010 low and higher income customers of a large Canadian financial institution were compared. Despite similar aspirations, low‐income customers appeared limited in terms of personal growth and expenditures and were showing uncertainty toward the future. The management implications for financial products and services, together with the social implications, are discussed in the conclusion.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2017

Francis K. Bondinuba, Devine Hedidor, Alex Opoku and Alfred L. Teye

The purpose of this paper is to explore the de/motivation variables in the delivery of housing microfinance (HMF) in the low-income housing market in Ghana.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the de/motivation variables in the delivery of housing microfinance (HMF) in the low-income housing market in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relied on a survey of 125 respondents of microfinance institutions (MFIs) to understand the interactions and effects of these variables on HMF delivery in Ghana. Descriptive and bivariate statistical methods were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The findings revealed that both internal and external variables motivate MFIs to engage in the low-income housing market. These variables are: MFIs desire for expansion, the potential size of the low-income housing market, the market potential for MFIs growth, the availability of local resources, unique features and products of the market, low-income housing offering an opportunity for leveraging resources and the preference for homeownership than rental among individuals in the low-income segment of the population. However, variables such as capital lock-up in HMF delivery, high-interest rates in the country, high cost and land prices, high cost and price of building materials, lack of sufficient collaterals and the different interest rates required on HMF loans also served as demotivation in the low-income housing market in Ghana.

Research limitations/implications

The paper findings are limited in context to Ghana.

Practical implications

The paper, although limited to Ghana, contributes to the much-needed body of knowledge on low-income housing finance in developing countries.

Originality/value

The paper is the first of its kind in using empirical data to explore the motivational and demotivational variables in the delivery of HMF in a developing country context such as Ghana.

Details

Property Management, vol. 35 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2013

Athula Naranpanawa, Saroja Selvanathan and Jayatilleke Bandara

There has been growing interest in recent years in modelling various poverty‐related issues. However, there have not been many attempts at empirical estimation of best‐fit income…

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Abstract

Purpose

There has been growing interest in recent years in modelling various poverty‐related issues. However, there have not been many attempts at empirical estimation of best‐fit income distribution functions with an objective of subsequent use in poverty focused models. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap by empirically estimating best‐fit income distribution functions for different household income groups and computing poverty and inequality indices for Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors empirically estimated a number of popular distribution functions found in the income distribution literature to find the best‐fit income distribution using household income and expenditure survey data for Sri Lanka and subsequently estimated various poverty and inequality measures.

Findings

The results show that the income distributions of all low‐income household groups follow the beta general probability distribution. The poverty measures derived using these distributions show that among the different income groups, the estate low‐income group has the highest incidence of poverty, followed by the rural low‐income group.

Originality/value

According to the best of the authors' knowledge, empirical estimation of income distribution functions for South Asia has never been attempted. The results of this study, even though based on Sri Lankan data, will be relevant to most developing countries in South Asia and will be very useful in developing poverty alleviation strategies.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 40 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 May 2021

Magali Valero and Jorge Noel Valero-Gil

The purpose of this study is to understand the factors that contribute to the number of reported coronavirus (COVID-19) deaths among low-income and high-income countries, and to…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the factors that contribute to the number of reported coronavirus (COVID-19) deaths among low-income and high-income countries, and to understand the sources of differences between these two groups of countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple linear regression models evaluate the socio-economic factors that determine COVID-19 deaths in the two groups of countries. The Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition is used to examine sources of differences between these two groups.

Findings

Low-income countries report a significantly lower average number of COVID-19 deaths compared to high-income countries. Community mobility and the easiness of carrying the virus from one place to another are significant factors affecting the number of deaths, while life expectancy is only significant in high-income countries. Higher health expenditure is associated with more reported deaths in both high- and low-income countries. Factors such as the transport infrastructure system, life expectancy and the percent of expenditure on health lead to the differences in the number of deaths between high- and low-income countries.

Social implications

Our study shows that mobility measures taken by individuals to limit the spread of the virus are important to prevent deaths in both high- and low-income countries. Additionally, our results suggest that countries with weak health institutions underestimate the number of deaths from COVID-19, especially low-income countries. The underestimation of COVID-19 deaths could be affecting a great number of people in poverty in low-income economies.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the emerging literature on COVID-19 and its relation to socio-economic factors by examining the differences in reported between deaths between rates in low-income and high-income countries.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 48 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 March 2011

Wa'el Alaghbari, Azizah Salim, Kamariah Dola and Abang Abdullah Abang Ali

Housing costs are very high in Yemen compared with Middle East countries, which caused a shortage of housing supply especially for low‐income groups. This paper aims to develop…

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Abstract

Purpose

Housing costs are very high in Yemen compared with Middle East countries, which caused a shortage of housing supply especially for low‐income groups. This paper aims to develop affordable housing design for people with low income and to examine their ability to afford houses in Sana'a, Yemen.

Design/methodology/approach

Two different questionnaires were used to achieve the study objectives. The first one was to examine the requirements and needs of low‐income groups, while the second was to analyze the feedback of professionals in relevant housing authorities in Sana'a. An affordable house design methodology was used to design alternatives of low‐income housing in order to minimize cost and environmental impact while maximizing the social acceptability in housing projects.

Findings

The results show that the low‐income group can afford new houses in Sana'a in consideration of the following: constructing multi‐storey housing units such as apartment system through using the concrete frame structure and building the internal and external walls with concrete blocks with limited areas (65‐120) square meters.

Originality/value

The findings could be used to improve housing affordability through housing policies in Yemen in order to decrease the housing shortage particularly for the low‐income group.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 4 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Citizen Responsive Government
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-029-6

Article
Publication date: 23 October 2009

Ayantunji Gbadamosi

The purpose of this paper is to explore the attitudes and behaviour of low‐income women consumers in respect of low‐involvement grocery products.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the attitudes and behaviour of low‐income women consumers in respect of low‐involvement grocery products.

Design/methodology/approach

One focus group and 30 in‐depth interviews on the subject‐matter are conducted with low‐income women in Salford (Northwest England). Given the nature of the topic and the target respondents involved, the subjects are recruited through the use of purposive and snowballing sampling methods.

Findings

The findings suggest that low‐income women consumers' purchases of low‐involvement grocery products are based on habit. They do not show strong loyalty to brands of these products, and do not perceive price as an indication of their quality. Their key motivation underlying their purchases of these products is value‐for‐money. Also they are very sensitive to sales promotional stimuli, albeit in varying degrees according to the respective attractiveness of these tools. However, while they indicate a positive attitude towards buy‐one‐get‐one‐free (BOGOF), free samples, discount and coupons, BOGOF stands out as their best preference; but they are not positively inclined towards gifts and competition.

Originality/value

The paper explores the motivation, attitudes and behaviour of a special group of consumers (low‐income women) in respect of low‐involvement grocery products. It indicates the directions of their sensitivity in terms of marketing stimuli. Hence, it will be valuable for marketing decision making towards providing this group of consumers with the utmost satisfaction needed in this increasingly complex marketing environment.

Details

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, vol. 27 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-4503

Keywords

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