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1 – 10 of over 1000Masudul Alam Choudhury, Mohammad Shahadat Hossain and Mohammad Taqiuddin Mohammad
The purpose of this study of this methodological abstraction is erected the nature of the well-being function as evaluative criterion. The well-being function (maslaha) evaluates…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study of this methodological abstraction is erected the nature of the well-being function as evaluative criterion. The well-being function (maslaha) evaluates the interrelationships between long-run investment (real sector), the corresponding financial instruments (financial sector) and the embedded socioeconomic variables and ethical values conveyed by extensive complementarities and participation in a systemic approach of unity of knowledge. Among the financing variables to be selected will be the transformation of debt-instruments into equity instruments. All financial instruments are to be transformed into a holistic participatory pooled portfolio.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper establishes the point that, the idea of long-run is appropriately that of a juncture of Islamic change during which the objective of well-being (maslaha) is evaluated (estimation leading to simulation) with long-run investment and Islamic financing instruments on the basis of the Islamic methodological worldview. This methodological worldview is premised on the ontological foundation of the episteme of organic unity of knowledge and the resulting world-system. The Qur’an refers to this foundation of knowledge as Tawhid. Tawhid is used in this paper to mean the Primal Ontological Law of Unity of Knowledge.
Findings
The most critical long-run investment program focused on is poverty alleviation and its equity-based financing instruments that reduce debt progressively to attain sustainable grassroots development with the ability to own, and the social capability to distribute resources and enable the grassroots. The corresponding interaction, integration and evolutionary dynamics of learning that emanate from the interrelationship of poverty alleviation as the focus of long-run investments and their attenuating financing instruments, along with the implications of inter-causal socioeconomic variables and the embedded episteme of unity of knowledge in the well-being function (maslaha). This paper is thus an abstracto-empirical contribution to the literature of Islamic finance, long-run investment and socioeconomic development with global significance.
Research limitations/implications
The choice of long-run investment for poverty alleviation and the corresponding Islamic financing instruments are summarized by the following Tawhidi epistemic schema (an extractive picture). Upon this epistemic methodological worldview, the entire structure of well-being and sustainability of socioeconomic development lies.
Practical implications
The paper brings out many of the properties that ought to be the truly moral/ethical and thereby the conformable analytical nature of the model of financing and investment in a combination of short-, medium- and long-term mobilization of resources to attain levels of social well-being as the objective criterion. Empirical work is done to bring the objective criterion to an applied level and to critically examine the work in the same field being carried out by many other ones, including authors and institutions. The empirical work done here can be widely extended to the case of estimating of the maslaha function (well-being).
Social implications
This paper carries an essentially moral and social perspective in its methodological orientation that is derived from the Islamic epistemological foundations of unity of knowledge (Tawhid) and applied to Islamic finance and investment theory with the well-being objective criterion.
Originality/value
This is an original paper that combines methodological abstraction with applied financing and investment perspectives. Such an abstracto-empirical approach has not been done in Islamic research writings.
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Abdelhak Senadjki and Jamalludin Sulaiman
– This study aims to shed some light on the roles of Islamic values and principles in encouraging households to enhance their livelihood and, therefore, alleviate their poverty.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to shed some light on the roles of Islamic values and principles in encouraging households to enhance their livelihood and, therefore, alleviate their poverty.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured and tested socio-economic questionnaire instrument was randomly distributed to 102 randomly selected households from the state of Penang in Malaysia. Data collected were analysed using one-way ANOVA tests.
Findings
The results indicated that poverty can be fought with commitment, faith and guided principles based on faith. While the self-reliance degree remains indispensable in the development progress of individuals, communities and societies, dependence on others leads to disappointment and failure.
Research limitations/implications
This study has its own limitations. First, the study did not consider the gender factor in the analysis. Second, only cash transfer (role of the government) was considered in the study, although other roles such as taxation and social services are probably equally important. Third, the discussion did not pay attention to how the proposed three constructs (Micro, Meso and Macro) are related. Lastly, as proposed by an anonymous reviewer, the present study did not take in consideration how Islamic philosophy perceives the share of responsibility to the three proposed constructs. Does Islam give similar weight to each of them?
Practical implications
Sadakah and Waqf should be integrated with the financial systems to halt any misuse of the financial assistance offered to the poor.
Social implications
Government assistance remains indispensable through providing the necessities of comfort and well-being to the hardcore poor such as housing, health-care facilities and cash transfer.
Originality/value
This study enhances the understanding of how religious adherence and Islamic values influence households’ well-being and paves the way for further research on this crucial issue.
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Children in Malaysia, just as children in many other countries, are vulnerable to poverty. They are exposed to different forms of deprivation and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated…
Abstract
Children in Malaysia, just as children in many other countries, are vulnerable to poverty. They are exposed to different forms of deprivation and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated their predicament. Concerns have been raised about the impact of the pandemic on children’s well-being, as this health crisis had intensified the educational and economic disparities among children in Malaysia, and for some children the impact will be lifelong. It is important to recognise the multidimensionality of poverty in regard to deprivation among poor children; however, such concerns are less pronounced in public policy discussions. Demands for greater policy attention intensified following the increasing number of unemployed parents and bereaved children who lost their parents due to the pandemic. The scope of poverty alleviation policies failed to consider the varying poverty gaps between recipients and the various forms of deprivation experienced by children in poor and larger sized households. As a result, the allocation of funds for the improvement of children’s well-being has been insignificant. The aim of this chapter is to provide a thorough overview of child poverty in developed and developing countries and how child poverty has changed in Malaysia. The analysis in this chapter seeks to provide deep insights on the development of policies that address poverty among children in Malaysia. An analysis on budget appropriations reveals that efforts to address other dimensions of child development were steadily improved, but policy commitments for such purposes need to be intensified in the post-pandemic era when hundreds of thousands of families and children have been plunged into poverty. It is timely for policymakers to acknowledge the need for separate policy considerations for children since they experience poverty differently from adults. The fulfilment of their needs should be prioritised, and the recognition of this fact would produce desirable plans of action for children living in poverty.
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Xiaoqiang Ma, Jiaqi Wang, Ling Zhao and Jinmian Han
The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically the effects of different dimensions of social capital on the well-being of farmers in China’s undeveloped poverty-stricken…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically the effects of different dimensions of social capital on the well-being of farmers in China’s undeveloped poverty-stricken areas, and study the equivalent multiple of social capital and income compensation.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper opted for an exploratory study using the open-ended approach of grounded theory, including 1,176 interviews with rural households in poverty-stricken areas in China. The data were complemented by documentary analysis. Then an econometric model of social capital and farmers’ well-being was applied to the data.
Findings
The results show that the number frequently visiting relatives, reciprocity, participation and trust level are significantly positively related to the well-being of the farmers, and the level of participation in social capital requires the most income compensation, while the level of trust comes second.
Originality/value
This paper can serve as a template for developing a useful tool that can be fitted to national or regional data for studying the effects of social capital on the well-being of farmers in poor areas or countries and for calculating the concrete equivalent multiple of social capital and income compensation.
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Archana P. Voola, Ranjit Voola, Jessica Wyllie, Jamie Carlson and Srinivas Sridharan
This paper aims to investigate dynamics of food consumption practices among poor families in a developing country to advance the Food Well-being (FWB) in Poverty framework.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate dynamics of food consumption practices among poor families in a developing country to advance the Food Well-being (FWB) in Poverty framework.
Design/methodology/approach
The research design used semi-structured interviews with 25 women and constructivist grounded theory to explore food consumption practices of poor families in rural South India.
Findings
Poor families’ everyday interactions with food reveal the relational production of masculinities and femininities and the power hegemony that fixes men and women into an unequal status quo. Findings provides critical insights into familial arrangements in absolute poverty that are detrimental to the task of achieving FWB.
Research limitations/implications
The explanatory potential of FWB in Poverty framework is limited to a gender (women) and a specific country context (India). Future research can contextualise the framework in other developing countries and different consumer segments.
Practical implications
The FWB in Poverty framework helps identify, challenge and transform cultural norms, social structures and gendered stereotypes that perpetuate power hegemonies in poverty. Policymakers can encourage men and boys to participate in family food work, as well as recognise and remunerate women and girls for their contribution to maintaining familial units.
Originality/value
This paper makes an original contribution to the relevant literature by identifying and addressing the absence of theoretical understanding of families, food consumption and poverty. By contextualising the FWB framework in absolute poverty, the paper generates novel understandings of fluidity and change in poor families and FWB.
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The purpose of this study is to explore how value creation and transformative service research (TSR) are interconnected at the base of the pyramid (BoP). To do so, the study seeks…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore how value creation and transformative service research (TSR) are interconnected at the base of the pyramid (BoP). To do so, the study seeks consumers’ perceptions of changes in well-being from value creation and the means by which these changes become transformative.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative, longitudinal design was used, involving a community education project in Indonesia. Data collection consisted of interviews with Etawa goat farmers and village leaders after one year (n = 21), and a further three years (n = 10).
Findings
Findings from the study are used to advance a model for value creation and TSR at the BoP, which identifies three critical change periods within consumers. These periods suggest that creating improvements in well-being of consumers requires their initial recognition of value outcomes, realisation of agency and a new vision for the future.
Research limitations/implications
Research in other contexts is warranted to confirm the model, to further explore well-being from service at the BoP and to identify issues that diminish consumers’ confidence and stall transformation. Methodological challenges at the BoP also present avenues for insightful work.
Practical implications
Transformative service at BoP requires an emphasis on suitable structures, collaborative processes and management skills to facilitate consumers gaining agency and control, so that they can use their new and existing resources effectively and/or differently.
Social implications
Participants highlighted positive changes to well-being at both individual and collective levels. Notably, some changes were not directly related to initial service provision but reflected improvements, such as employment for women, and better hygiene, health and education of families.
Originality/value
By exploring the interconnection between transformative service and value creation, this study addresses the issue of when value creation becomes transformative and vital for poverty alleviation at the BoP. The proposed model incorporates TSR, service logic and other literature, illustrates a process moving from value determination to value expansion and highlights three critical intrasubjective change periods within actors.
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Nazamul Hoque, Mahi Uddin, Mohammad Tazul Islam, Abdullahil Mamun, Mohammad Nazim Uddin, Afzal Ahmad and Md Thowhidul Islam
This study looked into the scope of integrating the aspirations of zakah and corporate social responsibility (CSR) to counter poverty, inequity, illiteracy, malnutrition and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study looked into the scope of integrating the aspirations of zakah and corporate social responsibility (CSR) to counter poverty, inequity, illiteracy, malnutrition and environmental pollution to ensure peace, happiness, prosperity and sustainability as envisaged in sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Design/methodology/approach
This is a qualitative research study conducted using both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from 29 business enterprises in Bangladesh employing a semi-structured interview protocol. The secondary data were collected through content analysis of annual reports, websites and CSR publications of sample organizations. Finally, collected qualitative data have been analyzed thematically following the due procedures to address the research questions.
Findings
The findings reveal that integration of the aspirations of zakah and CSR is a convenient and wholehearted approach for entrepreneurs resulting in pursuing SDGs. In addition, business entrepreneurs in Bangladesh consider such practices as killing two birds with one stone because this approach warrants performing both religious and social obligations simultaneously. Interestingly, the study explores that shariah compliance acts as a guiding force for selecting well-being-oriented projects in zakah-funded CSR resulting in pursuing the priority goals – No Poverty (1), Zero Hunger (2) – of SDGs, thereby addressing some of the most critical issues of emerging economies such as Bangladesh.
Practical implications
The findings of this research can be used as a guide to incorporate the spirit and principle of zakah into the CSR programs aimed at pursuing SDGs mainly in Muslim countries representing one-fourth of the world population.
Originality/value
Integration of the aspirations of zakah and CSR is an innovative move and net addition to the literature on sustainability, CSR and zakah because Muslim business entrepreneurs will now conveniently be able to use the entrepreneurs' zakah money – readily available in each financial year – to fund the entrepreneurs' various CSR projects (within shariah framework) relating to poverty alleviation, humanitarian and disaster relief, health and sanitation and environmental conservation which will eventually contribute to pursuing various SDGs.
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This study aims to apply the appreciative inquiry approach (AI) to develop a tourism strategy for poverty alleviation in marginalised communities. The focus is to provide…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to apply the appreciative inquiry approach (AI) to develop a tourism strategy for poverty alleviation in marginalised communities. The focus is to provide practical insights for leveraging tourism to drive positive socio-economic change for the impoverished, using Rosetta, a port city in Egypt with cultural and historical significance, as a case study.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative applied study uses the four-D phases of AI and thematic analysis to strategise tourism development in Rosetta. Through interviews, focus groups and field visits, the study identifies tourism potential, stakeholder aspirations and actionable strategies for sustainable development. The approach prioritises a bottom-up, community-centric and stakeholder-involved process, aiming for inclusive and equitable growth.
Findings
The study revealed Rosetta’s underutilised tourism potential, emphasising heritage tourism. Although tourism offers some economic benefits, its impact on alleviating poverty in Rosetta remains limited. A holistic strategy for tourism development in Rosetta is proposed for economic growth and poverty reduction, focusing on sustainable management, local empowerment, enhanced marketing, improved infrastructure and diversified tourism offerings.
Originality/value
While AI is not new in qualitative studies, the novelty of this study lies in its application to tourism planning for poverty alleviation in a marginalised community like Rosetta, introducing a comprehensive tourism strategy with an original framework applicable to comparable destinations. The study’s significance is emphasised by providing actionable strategies for policymakers, valuable insights for practitioners and enriching the discourse and methodology on pro-poor tourism for academics, representing a step towards filling the gap between theoretical concepts and practical strategies.
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This study aims to look into the scope of exploring and promoting business zakah for the enhancement of the well-being of the underprivileged in society.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to look into the scope of exploring and promoting business zakah for the enhancement of the well-being of the underprivileged in society.
Design/methodology/approach
This is mainly a qualitative research conducted using both primary and secondary data. Primary data have been collected from 34 business entrepreneurs in Bangladesh through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The secondary data have been collected from annual reports with a view to calculating business zakah of five business enterprises for providing an indicative picture of prospective volume of business zakah in Bangladesh. Finally, collected qualitative data have been analyzed thematically following the due procedures with a view to addressing the research questions.
Findings
The findings reveal that around thirty five percent of sample entrepreneurs have used business zakah fund for fully and partially financing their social projects. It also reveals that on average annual business zakah fund amounts to nearly 144m BDT (around US$1.7m) per business enterprise. These findings bear clear witness that business zakah has extensive scope and promising prospect to be an instrument of financing social projects aimed at ensuring social well-being of the disadvantaged.
Practical implications
The findings of this research can be used as a guide to promote business zakah to finance social programs aimed at ensuring the well-being of the underprivileged of all societies particularly of Muslim countries representing one-fourth of the world population.
Originality/value
Exploring and promoting business zakah as an initiative of broadening the base of zakah is an innovative move and net addition to the literature of Islamic finance. It contributes greatly to the poverty alleviation movement in the sense that Muslim business entrepreneurs will now find their business zakah fund readily available to finance their social projects aimed at ensuring well-being of the impoverished.
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