Human trafficking is described as harboring, transportation, transfer, receipt, or recruitment of an individual by the use of force, coercion, or abduction to abuse position or power to exploit a vulnerable individual. In the world of today, human trafficking has become a worldwide problem. Inclusive of the United States, sexual slavery, debt bondage, and forced labor are taking place all over the world. This problem has been overlooked by many governments and even though there are many laws and declarations concerning it, it is still occurring. Traditionally, most people were majorly used as agricultural laborers and home servants. However, most people today are used for prostitution and jobs like brick making. It is estimated by the International Labor Organization that almost 21 million individuals are forced labor victims and their suffering is facilitated by the use of products made by the slaves (Wheaton et al. p.115).
One of the major products of slavery that I use almost all the time is fish. I love to fish and it is one of my favorite dishes. I have not been aware that the fish that is sold to us is majorly caught by people considered as slaves in different countries before it gets to our country. The Korean ship captains abuse their laborers and sometimes force them to work for almost 30 hours consecutively abusing them sexually and not giving them enough compensation for their hard work. The companies in New Zealand buy the fish from the Koreans. The environmental inspectors from New Zealand ignore this slavery by saying it is not their job. Lastly, American distributors purchase this catch and this is what ends up on our tables (Albert et al., p144).
The second product I use daily and I was not aware of was from slave labor in cocoa. I use cocoa for my early morning beverage because I prefer it to coffee and I enjoy eating chocolates; most people actually do. One of the biggest cocoa producers in the world is the Ivory Coast. Cocoa is used in the production of chocolates and it majorly comes from this country. Despite its good and large production, it has been estimated that it has child laborers which add up to almost 250 000 of them. Most of the chocolates and cocoa consumers including myself are not aware of how it is produced and harvested. People should be made aware of their source and how young children are forced into these farms to harvest and plant them. If most consumers are made aware, then a lot can be done to stop this kind of exploitation of young ones.
The third product I use daily of sugar. Who likes sugarless tea? Chocolates, beverages, and most snacks are made with sugar as one of the major ingredients. What we do not know is that sugar production, sugarcane planting, and harvesting requires a lot of work that most of the farm owners cannot do. They hence are forced to employ young people who cannot fight for their labor rights and end up doing a lot of work for very little pay. Our world has a sugar addiction therefore we need to have more production of it. One of the hardest products to be harvested is sugar. The more it is needed by people the more workers are needed and that is why they opt for children who are majorly exploited, unlike the adult laborers.
Now that I have clear knowledge about how these products are made available in our markets today, I am going to make a change because it all starts with me. First and foremost, my consumption of fish is going to reduce slowly until I can stop consuming it completely. Before I get to the point where I will not consume fish, I am going to be purchasing organic fish as expensive as it might be. I am not going to promote the Korean market and I will try to influence my friends and family not to as well. I will help in the elimination of this slave-made product’s market by avoiding their products at all costs. I used these products before because I was not aware but now that I am aware, it is a game-changer for my breast cancer. Ann has been a staunch Christian since childhood just like the rest of her family, friends, and me.
The cocoa, chocolates, and sugar, I am not sure if I can get to the point of not using them however, I will give it a try. In the meantime, before I get to the point of not using them, I will be very observant when purchasing them and consider the various factors. For instance in sugar purchase, I will consider a label with fair trade and buy that because they are not produced by slave laborers. For purchases like cocoa, I will find labels that clearly state that their production is ethical; a very good example is Theo. This I know will be the start to the end of the failure of markets for child labor products. It starts with one and the one, in this case, is me.
Conclusion
Human trafficking has been going on for quite some time now in the world. The attempts to stop it have not succeeded and people should not give up until it is fully done. People are vulnerable and sometimes they are forced to do hard tasks for their quality of life. Arthur should be educated during the discussion with the doctor and also his family and their own survival. Changing brands from child labor products is a good start to end the markets of their products. This when done, will save a child somewhere in the world.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
Semantic analysis forms the basis of providing a clear understanding of words often used in our routine conversations. Most of the words we use have a range of meanings depending on the speaker, context and environment. These words bring out a different meaning hence they are subject to compromises in one’s understanding of a particular context. More specifically, some words are often misused through the development of slang languages and they tend to inhibit the previous conceptualization of their intended meanings. The ability of a word to have a wide range of meaning creates a communication problem between individuals since everyone is vital to their original understanding. This paper seeks to expound on the term “high-class” in regard to its two definitions. It will also provide a deep analysis of the disparities between the definitions as well as insights on the implications of each definition, all in an exclusive manner.
The term “High-class” has two definitions. First, it is often used to describe people with higher social statuses in the community. Identity, which impacts one’s reputation, is very important to individuals in any given society. The high-class identity is usuallystemmed froman individual’sbehaviours, moral standards, physical appearances, dignity and social reputation. A high-class person by nature commands respect and authority with barely any struggle. To qualify to be a high-class individual, one has to obtain the community’s social approval often demonstrated by exquisite respect. High-class people are selectively differentiated from the rest of the population and rendered less vulnerable to social conflicts because they see the world as fair (DeAngelis 62). With a high social status, a high-class individual has a higher potential for power and authority over other members of society. In this understanding, it is imperative that high-class people in the community play a major role in community development because their opinions on societal issues are often welcomed. To effect any form of social change, these individuals are crucial to the extent of change implementation. However, they too need the other classes to approve their social opinions otherwise they would lose their social reputations which nurture their high-class identity. Societies which experience multiple deviance cases are usually more likely to approve any individual who demonstrates good moral conduct, as a high-class person. Then again, societies which are more inclined to establishing socially sound members will tend to classify their members using this criterion.
Second definition: Economy-based
In the economic perspective, a high-class individual is one who generates more income and doesn’t necessarily have to work on a daily basis to earn a living. This represents a small portion of the global population. The high-class population often demonstrate their possession of wealth and luxuries desirable to every individual. Their livelihoods are usually admired by many in society. More importantly, they often demand respect through the ownership of wealth, contrary to the above definition who derive respect through their values, appearance and relationship with others. They are also known as the upper-class population. The high-class according to this understanding barely suffer financial constraints (Dittmann). Most of them are part of the sources of income of the middle and lower classes. According to Karl Marx, the economy is divided into two: the upper class, in this case, the high-class, and the lower class. The lower class relies on the upper class for survival in many societies because they own the means of production, crucial to the survival of all humanity (Karl 21-35). As seen, the second definition of “high-class” is more economical than sociological. Modern society is experiencing a revolution into an economy-based world. Individuals known to have high incomes and expenditures as well are identified as the high-class. This understanding is more globally accepted as compared to the first definition of the term.
The disparity between the meanings
The two meanings have a similarity in that, they both point to an elevated status. Nevertheless, they differ in terms of the implications and intentions of the speaker. In the first definition, there is an over-emphasis on the sociological reputation of the actor. It shows no regard for the actor’s economic life. Additionally, the first definition is more oriented towards the values demonstrated by the actor, contrary to the second definition. The second definition is keen on the economic achievements and financial status of the actor. There is a major variation in the two definitions. It is vital to understand the flexibility of the human mind in making sense of the world. While financial assets may be important to some people, others are more motivated to considering the humane qualities which nurture social interaction. The economic understanding of the term is driven by the over-emphasis of modern society on income generation. It is a criterion for awarding the industrious population who manage to achieve success in the obtaining of the monetary resources, which indeed determine one’s position in society today. Unlike the economy-based understanding, the first definition pays close attention to the ability of people to interact effectively and efficiently as well as providing the grounds for mitigating any social interaction barriers. According to the first definition, the high-class people possess qualities admirable to every member of any given society: the qualities that influence the sustenance of peace, collaboration and the good health of the entire community. They play a very important part in society by leading an example to other members of society. To reward them, societies find it worthy to brand them the title “High-class”. All the same, despite the linguistic competition between the two definitions, they can equally be viewed as a reward by the society to its members, depending on the implications by the situations they are confronted.
The implications of the two definitions
The two meanings illustrate the differences in the conceptualization of societal matters among the diverse human race. Having the freewill of understanding situations is critical to the definition of terms, with significant variations in relation to each other. The two definitions are socially accepted but do demonstrate diversity among individuals. Unless one can define the boundary between the two meanings, the word “high-class” is subject to misinterpretation and confusion. To understand the basis of social reputation, one has to fully understand the scopes of both definitions. Although the second definition has become more popular, it is vital to embrace the first definition. As the global economy rises, people are tending to ignore the intrinsic values that have governed humanity in history. The acceptance of the first definition in modern society exemplifies how people are still concerned over the principles of positive human relations, to combat the socio-economic and cultural issues that arise in all societies. On the flip side, the second definition is a key motivator to individuals in society to battle for high economic achievement, a crucial ingredient to the ultimate success in today’s society. This definition raises concerns for financial prosperity. It encourages people to work hard, to increase their chances of success though calculated investments and innovativeness. Technology is always advancing every day, meaning that people are struggling to meet their financial needs, perhaps to gain entry to the high-class positions or maintain their already achieved high-class statuses. More importantly, the second definition is the threshold for today’s motivation because a significant part of the global population strives to achieve the high-class status.
My perspective
Despite the fact that the first definition is losing meaning today, it stands to provide the best understanding of “high-class”. All economic and technological progress are rooted within the people’s ability to interact in the most positive and beneficial way possible. Carrying its potential influence on one’s behavioural and personality designation, the first definition is important to allow for the continuation of good moral conducts. Proper interpersonal presentations are embraced in the first definition. With effective interaction between people, the chances of success into the advancement to a better world are affirmative. Essentially, the first definition gives insights to solving interpersonal conflicts which deter development in all sectors established by man. Good moral conducts campaign for proper relations with each other, including problem-solving criteria.
Conclusion
Conclusively, the meaning of the term “high-class” points to a positive attribution by the societal members in any given geographical location. Depending on the conversational atmosphere, the word may lead to different meanings. A proper understanding of one’s audience is important in its usage. However, the usage of the word hardly nurtures any negative insights in any given conversation. As seen in this paper, the meaning of the word is bargained by its usage in its context.
Works cited
DeAngelis, Tori. “”Class differences.” Monitor on Psychology 46.2 (2015): 62.
Dittmann, Andrea. “”Understanding Social Class as Culture.” Image (2016).
Karl, Marx. “Classes in capitalism and pre-capitalism.” Inequality. Routledge, 2018. 21-35.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
High-quality research within a social context is significant for several reasons. Research within a social context is performed in evaluating the efficiency of the practice in which individuals engage in different programs using knowledge, experience, and skills in gaining research efforts. The research is performed among a group of individuals assessing the needs and resources. It helps in performing research using relative costs and resources building competencies among individuals. It is important to adapt to different knowledge, values, norms, and skills. Research work helps students to gain research curiosity and evaluate how empirical work becomes crucial in performing research-based social work. The study inculcates research methods in developing problem statements performing data analysis, dissemination, and research-based practice providing deep insight into reasons for the increased rate of youth offenders in Australia.
The research aims at identifying the reasons for an increasing number of youth offenders in and around Australia. The study uses various approaches in conducting the research focusing on the interpretive approach and critical approach. The critical approach allows the researcher to undergo critical thought in revealing negative or faulty sociological claims. The critical approach focuses on a set of theories and models in identifying notions and thought processes of society and culture. Research tends to analyze and question claims that have been made previously and ensure new mode interpretation gaining possibilities of the outcome. While the interpretive approach provides the researcher with different points of view. It helps in performing research analyzing aspects of youth offenders and what led to their growth with deeper insight. This is done by accessing different aspects of reality and how earlier it has been neglected.
Research Objectives
Evaluate various nature of social work research
Incorporate research methodologies in surveying proposed social questions
Use appropriate research methodology in analyzing different situations
Initiate the development of personal and professional skills to tender opportunities for research
Ensure that the research work performed to enlarge the scope of work and study
Ensure that the research work is aligned with research objectives
Provide relevant and authentic data
Provide necessary loopholes earlier to ignore and recommend possible solutions for growth
Research Questions
The research questions the reasons why there are there a growing number of youth offenders in Australia and what the factors are that lead to their disappointments.
What are the reasons for the growth in youth offenders?
Have you been suffering from mental illness?
What do you think of society and parental responsibility towards children suffering from mental ill-health?
Does society contribute to mental pressure?
What leads one to major disappointments?
What are the side effects of mental health?
Do you recommend clinical battle or self-improvement approaches?
How well do you think can one make areas of mental health problems and preventive measures?
1.3 Rationale for the Proposed Research
The research implies greater significance as it contributes to understanding in gravest debates of Australians. It is found that adults and teenagers are suffering from They also play a major role in ensuring the good standards of the health of society members. There has been an emphasis on concerns about mental health for the last 10 years with a considerable increase. The reasons for youth offenders are homicide, an overdose of income taxes and personal revenues. However, as much as the healthcare system in Canada is social and universal, the plan does not cater for drugs, abusive behavior, and other natural causes. Adolescence is a period of transition; where one reaches a state of heightened position. The research here delves into the reasons, bringing in development opportunities. It ensures activities like awareness programs, self-development schemes and awareness of, range of physical and academic challenges that will help in fighting back severe mental health issues. The study focuses on how adults can establish their identities through competency. Most importantly, it acts as guidelines for youth who are seeking greater independence and facing pressures from home and social environments. It questions several respondents (irrespective of color, gender, and sex) to study depressive orders and how they have been battling over time.
Scope of research
The research enlarges the scope of studying mental ill health issues in a wider context. It broadens the area of research enlarging core mechanisms, security, and robustness of research, manageability, and usability, economic viability, theoretical foundations in understanding various reasons that force youth to undertake ill actions. The scope of research aims at deriving social needs and requirements through high-level conceptualization, privacy, large-scale management, and economic viability and needs of social change. The study is conducted within college premises, gatherings of youth people, study center but can be developed on a sampling of a household survey.
Chapter 2Literature review
2.1 Previous literary review
According to Kinner et al. 2015, young offenders in Australia are highly at a risk for preventable death after the release of custody. The study of this chapter has aimed to define the process and causes of the risk factors that are associated with the death of the young offenders that is basically from the orders of the community-based. The mortality rate has been highly increased in the age group between 10 to 17 years of age.
According to Cunneen, 2017, the paper has analyzed the use of the community for the young individual in regards to the various jurisdictions in Australia that have created a great impact in the indigenous communities. It has also argued the fact that different programs have ignored the rights of Aboriginals in regards to self-determination and it has to provide simplified mechanisms for the indigenous communities.
2.2 Youth offenders- ABS
The chapter mainly aims to present the characteristics of young people who are known to be offenders. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the age of the offenders mainly ranges between 10 – 17 years (Pitt et al. 2016). They are mainly preceded in the juvenile court. The characteristic of the offenders mainly involves sex and age and that also includes the principle offenses conducted by the principal offenders was handed over by the police. Some of the offenses are thus mainly excluded from the recorded crime (Broidy et al. 2015). Accord to the ABS report, more than 55,000 of the youth offenders were recorded by the police and during 2016, there was a consequent number of the offenses recorded by the youth and their age mainly ranges between 10 to 17 years and for the fourth consecutive year the youth offenders accounted by 14 percent of the total population and they were mainly. The people aged between 10 to 17 years mainly belong to the Australian residency. The rate of offenders among the youth has been tremendously increased in 2017. Among 2,330 offenders, it has been noticed that 10,000 offenders ranged from 10 to 17 years of age. In 2017, it has been also reported that more than 100,000 youth were the youths and that for the generated population. The crime rate among the youths is more in South Australia, Tasmania and the people belong from the other territory. In the 2016 year, as measured per 100,000 person’s age between 10 to 17 years of age, and it is the highest in the Northern Territory the crime range is around 2,962 and in the Australian territory of the capital, the crime report recorded was around 884. It is worth mentioning the fact that the proportion of youth offenders is highest in Western Australia that ages range from 10 to 17 years of age. It is to be noted that 16 percent of the total offenders are mainly from Australia (Williams et al.2015).
Since the period of 2008 and 2009, the total number of youth offenders has mainly declined in the offense categories (Anyon et al. 2016). The highest percentage decreases in the offense category. It is said that homicide and related offenses that were fallen by 67 percent. There was an offense against the justice that is fallen by 60 percent. The figure rounded was rounded from 1500 to 608. The property damage issues were fallen by 53 percent by youths in Australia (Cunneen, 2017).
From the expected trends it has been seen that illicit health to ensure the safety of prescribed drugs. This paper discuss the recall of tetrazepam drug has been increased by 47 percent since 2008 and in 2009 and it has been tremendously increased by 35 percent. Sexual assault and related offenses have been increased at a higher rate by 35 percent since 2009, the increased rate of the drug offenses has increased from 3920 to 5760 and the related offenses related to sexual assault has increased by 35 percent among the youth offenders. The number of figures has been increased from 1103 to 1490. The youth offenders’ rate in Australia is generally higher in males as compared to females in Australia. The 70 percent of the youth offenders was recorded to be around 70 percentages as compared to females it was around 30 percentages (Tonry, 2018).
2.3 Understanding and preventing indigenous offending
In this regard, most of the offenders found to be a nonindigenous prisoner, Survey for national data has been collected to provide information concerning the principal offense that has charged by police for the people aged 10, and as per the recorded report, over the period of 2008-09 and adults that has been incarcerated on 30 June 2009. Information on police charges that has been only related to New South Wales, Queensland, because of concerns about the information quality in regards to other jurisdictions (Williams et al.2015). Offenses, which have been charged by notices made due to penalty/infringement, which were thus excluded, from the given scenario it may be said that related toward public order as well as traffic offenses. The focus is mainly on the principal offense that has been resulted in less serious offenses that are being underrepresented for every individual that has been charged with more than having the multiple offenses that have been related to the different type of the occasion. The risk factors that are associated with the Identifying issues are merely different from the identification of the causes that are merely like to be offending the figure that is associated with the reports attempted going beyond statistical correlation for the identified reasons for the Indigenous people. It is thus more offenses, predominantly related with the violent offenses that have been reported on violence suggested for the underlying factors for the violent deficiency, elimination, the disempowerment of the respective elders that leads to hopelessness, defenselessness, desolation, and rage (Tonry, 2018). In addition to that, there are situational factors such as alcohol use, intertribal conflict, and feuds associated with family, rate of unemployment and tediousness, broadminded attitudes of the individual of young Australia towards violence, all this has contributed due to the high use of violence. The report has noted that violent behavior of the individuals has been raised high, such as fighting and payback, which has been practiced as traditional culture, but it, is transferred vastly with the enormous and different status and devoid of traditional controls, and altogether it becomes dysfunctional. There is mere partial information related to the offending behaviors of youth and adults in regards to thecommunity-based information or for the youth detention (Pitt et al. 2016). This has also made the availability for gaining the information that is highly essential for providing a national and profile for the fine-grained in regards to the generated contacts that Indigenous people have with the justice system. Data should facilitate exploration of the demographic and spatial distribution of offending to assist targeting of crime prevention initiatives (Shepherd et al. 2018).
2.4 Factors Related to Recidivism for Youthful Offenders
According to Malvaso, and Delfabbro (2015), Mental health is a major problem and the disorder has been linked to many youth aberrant behaviors and felony adjudication; even though it is not understandable if this type of link is being directed, and the difficulties had lead to added risk factors, ineffective decision-making, and the interaction that is associated with the other risks (Farrington and Koegl, 2015). At rest, reviews it has been found consistently that the numerous children and the numerous youth have been involved with services that are related to mental health. It has significantly caused a higher risk for involvement in juvenile court (Bor et al. 2014). There are several numbers of pathways that have been established that are linked with specific issues related to the difficulties related to childhood mental health and also to the involvement in the juvenile court. The studies of developmental science have found associated behavioral problems and emotional problems such as substance abuse. Correspondingly, it can be said that the aggressive behaviors of the children are found as predictive of afterward aberrant behavior and activity of the child (Tubex et al. 2015). The problem related to hyperactivity and hyperactivity are highly linked because of the high-risk taking, and it is more violent and calculated to be found as the offending behavior of the individuals (Ravulo, 2015). Disruptive behaviors in addition to emotional problems mainly in early childhood are signs for later offending activities in the mind of the individual. Adding together, depression in childhood, as well as hyperactivity disorder for attention-deficit (ADHD), is profoundly linked to later criminal behavior, which has been evidenced from side to side physical aggression of the young individuals and their pilfering behavior (Hall and Lynskey, 2016).
2.4 Literary gap
In the above literature review, the point, which has been missed out as it has not figured out the crime rate of the young females in Australia? The impact has resulted in the increased crime rate of the adult’s impact has been not evaluated in the literature review in asystematicallye certain step that has been taken in children when they are at school. The cases in the Juvenile court has not been described significantly. It is necessary to take note of the fact that the necessary steps that have been taken by the children when they are at school. For the cases in the juvenile court need to explain that would be effective to carrresearchan effective manner. The report has not analyzed the issues related to the mortality rate in Australia (Anyon et al. 2016).
2.5 Summary
By the means of the study, it can be concluded that the crime rate in Australia has been increased tremendously. The crime rate has been increased in young individuals especially for the age ranges between 10 to 17 years. The juvenile court is trying to make changes so that the laws should be more punitive and also with the order policies. ABS has shown an impressive range for providing data which need to be used for assessing the Māori contact using the justice system, however, information related to the police contact can be calculated as trepidation slightly different than individuals and there is totally nonappearance of data in regards to detention and alteration populations (Broidy et al. 2015). It is to be recognized on the fact that there are many quality issues in regards to the Indigenous identification and the necessitating for data linkages to create the data for the individual level increase.
Chapter 3 Research Design
3.1 Epistemology and theoretical perspective
Epistemology helps the researcher to understand how we know and what we know about the gathered data and information. It helps in providing philosophical ground regarding decisions and authentication of knowledge ensuring legitimacy. It helps to identify the gap between ‘study of being’ and the scenario of reality’. The research has been conducted based on the ontological notion of realism. It helps the researcher to examine the interpretive mind and actions beyond the general mindset of an individual. The assertions made by the respondent are checked to be aligned with real-life actions and problems. The answers gathered from respondents are independent of consciousness. Objectivism in the epistemological study of research helps researchers to ensure fulfillment of research targets and objectives (Pitt et al. 2015). The researcher further delves into the assumptions of respondents identifying if they are parallel to knowable reality. The transactional approach means the interaction between the interview and interviewer in examining rhetorical situation ‘constructed realities’. On the other hand, subjectivist research deals with constructing the impression of individuals regarding reality and the psychological world. Human is the owner and also the inseparable of the natural setting. Interpretive approach and critical analysis help in gaining possible outcomes regarding youth mental illness and how to overcome the similar.
Reflexivity is important to factor that resolute interpretive needs in research. The interpretive approach help in positioning knowledge with deeper insight and take account of how assumptions are being made. According to the theoretical perspective, research needs to conduct a personal interview with a concentrated population and probe into their answer with deep interpretation, gaining scope and directions for higher research. Reflexivity herein becomes an important factor that allows dynamic outlook, make it flexible for collective assumptions, deriving possible resolutions. Reflexivity uses hermeneutics of research practice with value-free propositions (Birckhead, 2015). It eliminates obscene and dishonest assumptions and centers on productive and objective information. There are different aspects such as interaction using empirical material (accounts in interviews, observations of respondents and their situations); interpretation (underlying meanings); critical interpretation (ideology, power, and social reproduction) and reflection (selectivity of voices and claim to rightful data).
Another important theory applied in the research is a constructivist grounded theory that was introduced by Charmaz based on the notions of Strauss and Glaser. The iterative procedure was established in 2006 regarding the data-gathering technique in producing social, contextual, and interpretative data (Mugford and Braithwaite, 2017). Theoretical mapping help in selecting data based on alignment with reality, emerging values, and objectives. The research information is collected, interpreted, and constructed through the academic study of literature review, journal, and articles. Ideas are gathered and constructed from emerging data, concepts, processes, responses, and theoretical saturation. Experimental research is conducted in analyzing the reasons for youth offenders and mental illness. It helps to determine the information based on the responses collected and the investigation of the independent and dependent variables. It is used to explore notions of participants regarding mental illness developing a hypothesis. According to Emil Durkheim, society help in developing self-built norms and beliefs beneficial for citizens regarded as social facts (Sutherland et al. 2015). The interview helps in developing such facts in deriving required knowledge and information.
3.2 Research methods
Qualitative research is comparatively supportive in nature over Quantitative research. The qualitative research method is used in research that helps to examine and to reflect on various aspects of the research subject. It focuses on values, behavior patterns, attitudes, and perceptions. Qualitative research depends on studying academic literature reviews, journals, and articles. It is important because the information collected can be challenged more easily. On the other hand, deductive research needs to help to conduct research based on particular & situations. It intends to study concepts and theories in deriving conclusive statements. Qualitative methodology help in deriving a theoretical position that helps in collecting information. The information is collected in a qualitative method that uses ‘professional’ under the supervision of professional associations (Cale et al. 2015). This is performed by preparing questionnaires questionnaire that is structured and aligned with the objectives conducting interviews or group discussion.
3.3 Population and sampling methods
The population comprises of 100 respondents centered on college students, adults, and teenagers of school. The population has been dived into the age group of 10-18, 19-24, and 25 and above. The research is conducted over different centers and spans for a month. Each day is recorded based on age groups. This is referred to as the systematic sampling method. It refers to the steam of representative people over concentrated geography whose records and responses are collected and stored for future evaluation. The population concentrated is within the locale of Brisbane and New South Wales.
3.4 Ethics
The local youth center has been researching the targeted population, ensuring authentic data regarding youth offenders in Australia. It has been identified that on an average 40% of youth residing in the country are abusive and addicted to drugs. The age group of 16-25 is currently suffering from ill mental health due to overuse of drugs (Shepherd et al. 2015). The research aims at performing research on 100 individuals. The questionnaire is made after prolonged research on drug overdose, mental health, young offensive behavior, and mortality rate with young people. Among the 100 respondents, only 20 have been affected by issues relating to mental health and depression. The questionnaires have been distributed to the youth center in gaining respondents within the age range of 20-25. Besides, questionnaires have been distributed among respondents in a local shopping center, local colleges, and night clubs. The distribution of questionnaires provided insight regarding youth’s understanding of overuse of drugs and in gaining an insight into their thought process (Shepherd et al. 2015). The questions prepared were kept devoid of hurting anyone’s sentiments. The questions have been prepared for keeping ethical standards.
The basic principles followed in researching concentrated respondents are minimizing risks and identify root causes; obtain informed consent; ensure confidentiality; limit deceptive practice; avoid hurting sentiments of respondents and ensure the right to withdraw. Since, the survey involved human participants, their thought processes and cultural values need to be prioritized as it can raise political and social issues. Following basic principles and terms will help in gaining trust, fairness, and kindness from respondents, providing authentic and relatable answers. Consistency in following standards and principles will allow meaningful results. The major issues like anonymity, privacy, loss of data, and piracy need to be governed. In gaining information rightly, it is important to consent with research integrity. It involves being honest and accurate from the respondent’s side. Ethical approval hereby allows researching without causing any harm to the whole process and protects reviews of respondents (Bor et al. 2015).
3.5 Data analysis
As per evident, approximately, 5% of Australians among youths have been experiencing rapid mental health issues every 7 days. It is likely to increase by 5% by 2020. There is no accountability of male outnumbers women, but as per respondents, women are growing considerably higher over the past few years. The growth in abuse disorders tends to increase with time. Prevalence of mental illness has considerably decreased mortality rates as it increases the number of suicides in the country (Kinner et al. 2015). Mental illness is prevalent high among19-25-year-olds. It is estimated that 1/3rd of adults accounting for 9 million experience mental illness leaving them with trauma. As per the 2015 evaluation, 1 of 5 youth from the age group of 14-19 is suffering from an extreme mental disorder. There has been no decrease but a considerable increase. The point of worry is anxiety disorders that are succeeding common in the U.K and U.S. earlier it was not rampant in Australia but with a gradual increase of intake of drugs, results affecting 40 million adults. Notably, individuals suffering from anxiety and depression receive treatment but leaves one weak mentally for prolonging several years.
Among the 100 respondent, 20 respondent aging from 19-4 is suffering from either bipolar depression or anxiety (far of mixing with people). Their responses seem valid more because of abrupt and unsupportive social actions (Pitt et al. 2016). As per evaluation, their individual is unable to stay and live freely as per their wishes, resulting in the intake of abusive drugs. Parent seems not cooperative and causing a generation gap among parent and children. Until proper discussion and freedom to speak and act, there can be no justice made to this age group. They have been living with anxiety mostly for 2 years and above. Parents need to guide children and support them at every level. Proper communication and coordination will help in finding reliance on drugs. Subsequently, preventive measures and education will spread awareness. As per the 2015 estimation, the male population tends to meet the criteria for suffering from serious mental illness (Farrington and Koegl, 2015). Community-based, family-based, education-based recovery orientated supports will be beneficial over clinical approaches in providing awareness and care services. Youths need to be engaged with rehabilitation programs, awareness programs, and youth-friendly mental health services. This will help to advocate on issues regarding various mental health (Hall and Lynskey, 2016). Young people need to be experts in making the right actions and decisions limiting the adverse effects of mental illness.
3.6 Dissemination
This paper deals with a very important sociological aspect which is mental health. Mental health in turn affects human beings, especially the younger generation. It is significant to understand the value of sound mental health which helps to build a sane individual. However, it is not the case always. Certain internal and external factors of society force individuals to go grow a crooked mind and they turn towards crime as an outburst. The current and sudden increase in the number of young people committing a crime and getting arrested for it has reached a level where it has become a disturbing national aspect in Australia. Therefore, through thorough research and in-depth study individuals need to identify on time the reasons leading to this issue. The youth of the nation and their parents and guardians have to be approached while conducting this disturbing survey and have to acquaint them with the emerging dangers of the society and its people. This paper uses appropriate models and theories to identify and understand the study required to know about the mentally derogatory ideas which make young people commit crimes like theft and violence and drug abuse. The issue is dealt with keeping in mind the social and political weather of Australia and dispersed strategically by influencing people.
Chapter 4 Conclusion and recommendations
4.1 Conclusions
The paper had the objective of providing valuable information on the sociological problems which has resulted in an increased number of young offenders. Australia and its surroundings are heavily disturbed by the outcomes of different issues like peer pressure, problematic behavior, insufficient income, drug abuse, criminal parents, isolation from society, lack of education or community, etc. These issues were identified by proper interpretive and critical approaches of study and proved valuable for the researchers and the society as well. This research work when put to practical use will provide for the strategies required to eradicate the factors disturbing the youth who are the future of the nation. It enquires about important aspects like why is the youth turning bad, what are the social reasons behind mental illness, what are the disappointing notions causing the degradation of mental health, etc. The paper also provides certain solutions that can be effective when implemented strategically. It questions the notions of realism and legitimacy of certain laws. However, it provides a qualitative analysis of how acquiring knowledge is the ultimate way of evolution and development.
4.2 Recommendations
When one views and reviews the tragic condition of the Australian young generation, one cannot but feel sad for them. It has been identified and researched how various factors are responsible for the degradation of the youth. These factors might be the internal trauma a child faces when he is young in his family circle. It can be the society or social obligations and norms which affect him adversely. It can be a lack of education or the unavailability of basic resources like food and clothing. Therefore, it is necessary to locate those issues and then trying to eradicate them. It can be done through proper education, valuable counseling, appropriate corrective measures taken by the parents, educators, social workers, etc. One has to understand that these offenders can be male or female and can be of any age but it is more prominent in the age group of 10-17. Therefore, any necessary actions taken have to consider the age and sex of the offender and employ valuable corrective measures. The youth in South Australia and Tasmania, as well as the Northern Territory, are degrading fast and low. Reflection on the offending is required before taking drastic measures and destroying the future of a child.
Reference list
Anyon, Y., Gregory, A., Stone, S., Farrar, J., Jenson, J.M., McQueen, J., Downing, B., Greer, E., and Simmons, J., 2016. Restorative interventions and school disciplinary sanctions in a large urban school district. American Educational Research Journal, 53(6), pp.1663-1697.
Birckhead, T.R., 2015. Children in isolation: The solitary confinement of youth. Wake Forest L. Rev., 50, p.1. Bor, W., Dean, A.J., Najman, J., and Hayatbakhsh, R., 2014. Are child and adolescent mental health problems increasing in the 21st century? A systematic review. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 48(7), pp.606-616.
Broidy, L.M., Stewart, A.L., Thompson, C.M., Chrzanowski, A., Allard, T. and Dennison, S.M., 2015. Life-course offending pathways across gender and race/ethnicity. Journal of Developmental and Life-Course Criminology, 1(2), pp.118-149.
Brown, D., Cunneen, C., Schwartz, M., Stubbs, J., and Young, C., 2016. Justice reinvestment: Winding back imprisonment. Springer.
Cale, J., Lussier, P., McCuish, E., and Corrado, R., 2015. The prevalence of psychopathic personality disturbances among incarcerated youth: Comparing serious, chronic, violent, and sex offenders. Journal of Criminal Justice, 43(4), pp.337-344.
Cunneen, C., 2017. Community conferencing and the fiction of indigenous control. In Restorative Justice (pp. 335-354). Routledge.
Farrington, D.P., and Koegl, C.J., 2015. Monetary benefits and costs of the Stop Now and Plan Program for boys aged 6–11, based on the prevention of later offending. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 31(2), pp.263-287.
Hall, W., and Lynskey, M., 2016. Evaluating the public health impacts of legalizing recreational cannabis use in the United States. Addiction, 111(10), pp.1764-1773.
Kinner, S.A., Degenhardt, L., Coffey, C., Hearps, S., Spittal, M., Sawyer, S.M., and Patton, G.C., 2015. Substance use and risk of death in young offenders: a prospective data linkage study. Drug and alcohol review, 34(1), pp.46-50.
Malvaso, C.G., and Delfabbro, P., 2015. Offending behavior among young people with complex needs in the Australian out-of-home care system. Journal of Child and breast cancer. Ann has been a staunch Christian since childhood just like the rest of her Family Studies, 24(12), pp.3561-3569.
Mugford, S., and Braithwaite, J., 2017. Conditions of Successful Reintegration Ceremonies: Dealing with Juvenile Offenders. In Restorative Justice (pp. 3-35). Routledge.
Pitt, H., Thomas, S.L., and Bestman, A., 2016. Initiation, influence, and impact: adolescents and parents discuss the marketing of gambling products during Australian sporting matches. BMC public health, 16(1), p.967.
Shepherd, S.M., Luebbers, S., Ferguson, M., Ogloff, J.R., and Dolan, M., 2014. The utility of the SAVRY across ethnicity in Australian young offenders. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 20(1), p.31.
Sutherland, R., Sindicich, N., Barrett, E., Whittaker, E., Peacock, A., Hickey, S., and Burns, L., 2015. Motivations, substance use and other correlates amongst property and violent offenders who regularly inject drugs. Addictive behaviors, 45, pp.207-213.
Tonry, M. ed., 2018. Crime and Justice, Volume 47: A Review of Research (Vol. 47). University of Chicago Press.
Tubex, H., Brown, D., Freiberg, A., Gelb, K., and Sarre, R., 2015. Penal diversity within Australia. Punishment & Society, 17(3), pp.345-373.
Williams, H., Hughes, N., Williams, W.H., Chitsabesan, P., Walesby, R.C., Mounce, L.T., and Clasby, B., 2015. The prevalence of traumatic brain injury among young offenders in custody: a systematic review. Journal of head trauma rehabilitation, 30(2), pp.94-105.
Appendix
Participant information sheet
Purpose of research
The research aims at identifying the reasons for an increasing number of youth offenders in and around Australia. The study uses various approaches in conducting the research focusing on interpretive approach and critical approach. . It helps in performing research analyzing aspects of youth offenders and what led to its growth with deeper insight. This is done by accessing different aspects of reality and how earlier it has been neglected. Individuals associated with research
Richard Garret- Ph.D. student
K Weaver – research supervisor
Edward Simpson Supervisors
Participant involvement
The study will intend to conduct voluntary interviews among 1000 respondents. The interview session will span from 15-30 minutes duration. Questions are open-ended in gaining possible resources and thought processes of youth. The study may follow up interview with additional clarifying questions. Respondents need to provide authentic answers relatable to reality. Research material and confidentiality
The interviews and transcripts will e recorded both audio and virtually. It will later be formed as reports and presentations for further examination. No legal names will be sued. The information collected will be recorded, stored, and checked and provides confidentiality. The information will be transcribed and loaded into Nvivo software for analysis. The information collected from respondents will be accessible by request. Respondent opt-out
As a respondent, one may opt-out of the stud before 11 December 2018 Contact information [email protected]
All information and data will be disclosed at the beginning of the interview
Informed consent form
The reasons for the increased rate of youth offenders in Australia Consent to take part in research By signing and returning this consent form you are indicating your agreement with the following statements:
I voluntarily agree to participate in this research study.
I understand that even if I agree to participate now, I can withdraw at any time or refuse to answer any question without any consequences of any kind.
I have had the purpose and nature of the study explained to me in writing and I have had the opportunity to ask questions about the study.
I understand that I will not benefit directly from participating in this research.
I have received enough information about this study.
I have received satisfactory answers to all my questions, where I have had a query.
I understand that all information I provide for this study will be treated confidentially.
I understand that if I inform the researcher that I or someone else is at risk of harm they may have to report this to the relevant authorities – they will discuss this with me first but may be required to report with or without my permission.
I understand that I am free to contact any of the people involved in the research to seek further clarification and information on request.
I give my permission for information collected about me to be stored or electronically processed for research and to be used in related studies or other studies in the future but only if the research is approved by a Research Ethics Committee.
I agree to take part in this study.
Participant’s Signature: xx xx xx xx xx
Date: XX/DD/YYYY
Participant’s Name (Block Capitals):
Contact Email:
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
Saudi Arabia, even as various could believe is a wealthy nation paradoxically has an elevated-implicit poverty problem. Such poverty could be related to a small degree of commercial interest also its conventional variance in phrases of a monetary guide. While currently being supported internationally, successful little and middle-companies (SMEs) have large possible to assist alleviates poverty. In Saudi Arabia, the SME area presently added much below forty% of the GDP with a financing diffusion rate of most effective 2%. To improve their presentation, these organizations ought to gain from the use of microfinance inventions. The primary goal of this research is to obtain the estimation of SME owners concerning Islamic Microfinance in Saudi Arabia and discover its possibilities closer to encouraging commercial hobby and therefore poverty discount. Facts have been received from semi-structured interviews performed with four CEOs or high-level management employees of various classes of MSMEs in Saudi Arabia. Based on a qualitative evaluation, this has a look at located that low get entry to finance is appropriate to unreasonable necessities, and that the interviewees are conscious of Islamic finance however not Islamic microfinance. The research shows higher courting among banks and MSMEs to supplement the trade and boom output.
People Also Read
Exploring Theories of Poverty and Approaches to Overcome It
Microfinance is the source of financial services for entrepreneurs and small businesses lacking access to banking and related services. The term includes three things, namely microloans, micro-savings, and microinsurance. Dr. Mohammad Yunus, a noble prize winner, pioneered the concept in developing country Bangladesh to help the financially marginalized start a business by providing them the necessary capital and thereby allowing them to work towards financial independence. Dr. Yunus’s experiment stated with offering small loans, which he himself founded, to women in his country who were making furniture using bamboo as raw material. These women used to depend on loans from local lenders on unfair and predatory terms for financing the expenses of production. The loans being very small in amount were not honored by the traditional banks, but these loans made significant changes in the lives of these small entrepreneurs. Taking the initiative forward, Dr. Yunus established Grameen Bank in Bangladesh and brought opportunities and risk-management tools to the doorsteps of these poor people, most of them are women, who, when given a chance, not only repaid the loan but also created a viable business model. The Grameen Bank now serves more than seven million poor women in Bangladesh.
Several studies have shown that poverty persists due to the exclusion of the poor from the financial system. It is the financial exclusion that, in turn, prevents a large section of the poor population from taking part in the development process. With no access to the traditional financial system, these poor people find it extremely difficult to reap the benefits generated by economic growth. They cannot build assets, educate their children, and secure themselves from financial shocks. It is this financial exclusion that pushes them further into the vicious cycle of poverty.
The basic objective of microfinance is to alleviate poverty by removing this financial exclusion, create more jobs, and develop self-reliance among the population belonging to the lower strata of the economy. Inspired by the model from Bangladesh, many developing nations have attempted to replicate the model, but have faced multiple difficulties in achieving the level of success that Grameen Bank did. The majority of issues included the high cost of financing, women-only approach, and focus on financing economically active people only leaving chronically poor and destitute aside.
Although the movement of microcredit found its success in an Islamic country, most of the other Muslim dominated countries have not accepted the concept in its original form. The financial system in these countries follows Islamic finance which is based on the holy book Quran and Sharia law. The Sharia law specifically dictates not to charge any interest on loans and Quran forbids usury or Riba.
However, the requirements of the poor in Islamic countries are no different from that of non-Islamic states. They also need financial assistance to make expenses beyond their available means in mainly three categories of events: life cycle events, exigencies, and investment opportunities. In fact, poor people may need more than just credit. They require a gamut of financial services such as credit, savings, money transfer facilities, and different forms of insurance (Obaidullah, 2008).
Saudi Arabia is one of the wealthy Islamic nations in the world. However, the country is not devoid of its fair share of issues like poverty and unemployment. The Saudi government does not release statistics on poverty regularly. Hence, there is no concrete information on the overall poverty rate of the country. According to some outside agencies, as of 2017, its poverty rate stood at 12.7 percent (Lee, 2018). Different media reports and private estimates state that there are between two to four million people in the country who live life below $530 a month, i.e. about $17 a day. The majority of the poor are migrant workers. The World Bank projects an increase in the poverty level in the country. Owing to increased poverty, begging is very common in slums and what is more astounding is that majority of beggars are women. The most recent finding by the World Bank states that in 2014 more than 80,000 children were not unable to attend primary school (Gillespie, 2018).
Thus, there is scope for the inclusion of poor people in the mainstream of the Saudi Arabian economy using concepts like microfinance. But Saudi Arabia is a country driven by Sharia law, which forbids interest on loans. In this context, it is important to study whether there can be an effective counterpart of the practices of microfinance which is interest-based, in Islamic finance which is Sharia-based.
Research Question
Q1. Is there an efficient counterpart of the interest-based microfinance system in Islamic law?
Q2. Is the concept of microfinance helpful for the poor people of Saudi Arabia?
Q3. How can they be made aware of it and an inclusive financial system developed?
Aims and Objectives
The objective of this study is three-fold:
To find an efficient counterpart of the interest-based microfinance system in Islamic law.
To ascertain whether a concept like microfinance is at all helpful for poor people in Saudi Arabia?
If yes, how can they be made aware of it? If no, what alternative system can be devised to ensure an inclusive financial system?
Scope of the Study
The scope of the study is to consider a country like Saudi Arabia, its economic conditions, and the role of microfinance in uplifting its poor people.
Limitations
The research is limited to the Islamic countries only with Saudi Arabia as its representative. The study restricts itself to the discussion of the relevance of microfinance in Sharia law-driven country with an Islamic financial system.
Ch 2: Literature Review
Islamic Finance Law
Islamic finance is dictated by Sharia law which originates from the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and from Hadith, a compilation of sayings of prophet Mohammad that are not present in the Quran. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Islamic jurisprudence or fiqh is “the science of deducing and applying the principles and injunctions of Shari’ah, as well as the total of deductions by particular jurists”. Fiqh interprets and adapts Sharia law to make it applicable in modern life “according to time and circumstance is necessitated by changes in society, and the influx of various cultures and material conditions” at the same time ensures that the principles follow the writings of Quran. Islamic finance is based on the prohibition of riba, which is excess over and above the number of loans. Riba can be classified into credit riba ((riba’ al-nasi’ah) and surplus riba ((riba’ al-Fadl) (Az-Zuhayli 2006). According to Islamic law, no excess can be extracted neither from credit nor from surplus.
Imam Fakhruddin Razi in his book al-Tafsir al-Kabir states three reasons why riba is unlawful. First, it leads to an exploitation of borrowers by the lenders as interest or riba make the lender well off at the cost of the borrower. Second, interest or riba can become a source of livelihood for a group of people who may not be willing to undergo the hardship of earning money, as it is certainly easy to earn income merely by lending money. Lastly, the concept of interest is in contradiction to the ideas of mutual sympathy, human goodness, and obligation (Rahim and Rahman, 2007).
The Islamic Fiqh Academy made a resolution in the year 1985 which states the following:
Any excess or profit on a loan for deferred payment when the borrower is unable to repay it after the fixed period and similarly any excess or profit on a loan at the time of contract are both forbidden as riba in the Shari’ah.
Alternative banks should be established according to the injunctions of Islam to provide economic facilities.
The Academy resolves to request all Islamic countries to establish banks on Shari’ah principles to fulfill all the requirements of a Muslim according to his beliefs so that he may not face any repugnance (Rhule, 2016).
After this resolution, Islamic finance and banking expanded in many countries who wished to operate under these rules. Islamic finance is based on an alternative of riba, which is profit and loss sharing (PLS) arrangement. This arrangement is believed to be more equitable and egalitarian compared to the interest-based approach (Rahim and Rahman, 2007).
Islamic Microfinance
Despite the significant expansion of Islamic banking worldwide, the concept of microfinancing has not developed well in the Islamic states. Microfinance is an interest-based concept that leaves the majority of Islamic countries out of its realm as Islam does not support charging of interest on loans (Juliette, 2013). Bangladesh could witness the setting up of Grameen Bank in 1976 as the country is classified as “moderate Muslim” by the United Nations and does not follow Sharia law strictly. The country’s legal system is based on British Common Law rather than Sharia law (Yasmin, 2013).
As defined in the Microcredit Summit (1997), microfinance means “programs that extend small loans to very poor people for self-employment projects that generate income in allowing them to take care of themselves and their families” (Rhule, 2016). It involves micro-credit, micro-equity, micro-savings, micro-transfer, and micro-insurance. The primary objective of microfinancing is to alleviate poverty, create more job opportunities, and make the poor section of the population independent and capable (Rahim and Rahman, 2010).
Obaidullah (2008) in his work found that there is no fundamental difference or inconsistency between the models of microfinance and the Islamic values. The only thing that differentiates the two is the concept of riba involved in conventional microfinancing. But there is an opportunity to find alternative models of microfinancing that will allow the implementation of the concept in a Sharia-compliant manner (Obaidullah, 2008).
In his research Rahim (2007) discuses several Sharia-compliant microfinance schemes such as “Hodeibah microfinance program in Yemen, the UNDP Murabahah based microfinance initiatives at Jabal al-Hoss in Syria, Qardhul Hasan based microfinance scheme offered by Yayasan Tekun in Malaysia, various schemes offered by Bank Rakyat Indonesia, and Bank Islam Bangladesh”.
On the other hand, Ahmed (2002) has found several differences between conventional microfinance and Islamic microfinance. The following table will summarize these differences:
Items
Conventional MFI
Islamic MFI
Source of fund
External Funds, Saving of Client
External Funds, Saving of Clients, Islamic Charitable Sources
Mode of financing
Interest-based
Islamic Financial Instrument
Financing the poorest
Poorest are left out
Poorest can be included by integrating with microfinance
Fund transfer
Cash gave
Goods Transferred
Deduction at the inception of the contract
Part of the Funds Deducted as Inception
No deduction at inception
Target group
Women
Family
Objectives of targeting women
Empowerment of women
Ease of Availability
Liability of loan (which are given to women)
Recipient
Recipient and Spouse
Work incentive of employees
Monetary
Monetary and Religious
Dealing with defaults
Group/Center pressure and threat
G r o u p / C e n t e r / S p o u s e Guarantee and Islamic Ethics
Social development program
Secula r (non-I s l a mic) behavioral, ethical, and social development
Religious (includes behavior, ethics, and social)
Source: Rahim (2007)
Microfinance in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is known as a rich country but has undeclared poverty which is very high. An unofficial study by Tawfik El Seif (2013) revealed that there are almost 10 million Saudis who live below the poverty line. There is a severe mismatch of financial support to encourage entrepreneurial activities of the people lacking financial strength but with the zeal to achieve. It is worldwide proven that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have the most potential to support poverty alleviation. However, in Saudi Arabia, SMEs contribute merely less than 40 percent of GDP with a financing penetration rate of a mere 2 percent (Adewale, al-Jaafreh, and Osman, 2015).
The findings of Adeyemi, al-Jaafreh, and Osman (2015) are quite significant. They show that the terms of formal financing in Saudi Arabia are highly unfair towards small enterprises. In 2006, the government of Saudi Arabia initiated the Kafalah program through the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) to “act as guarantor to banks for providing credit for SMEs” (p.63). The program was successful in providing a credit of around 950 million US dollars in 2013. Despite the success, it has been found that banks are mostly unwilling to offer funds to SMEs due to a lack of sufficient market and feasibility studies. This implies that there is a scope for innovation and implementation of microfinancing in Saudi Arabia.
Adeyemi, al-Jaafreh, and Osman (2015) also made a significant contribution to the literature by revealing that the concept of Islamic microfinance is not widely known among the SMEs of the country. Most of their interviewees expressed interest in getting Islamic finance products from the well-structured system of Islamic banking. They opined that there is a huge potential for banks and other financial institutions to provide Islamic microcredits to SMEs in Saudi Arabia.
In their work Aboud and Faisal (2017) discuss the challenges and prospects of the microfinance institutions of Saudi Arabia. They are of the view that the major challenges that the microfinance institutions of Saudi Arabia face are lack of governance, professional management, internal transparency, high cost, poor targeting of low-income groups, their inability to move beyond the credit requirements of the loan seekers, and help them with better financial infrastructure, advice, and risk management tools and techniques. The absence of proper regulation, supervision, and assistance from the apex bank also adds to the problem of the microfinance institutions of Saudi Arabia.
Microfinance and Poverty Alleviation
The purpose of microfinancing is to make capital accessible to poor people so that they can build assets and opportunities on income and move out of poverty towards self-sustenance. Miled and Rejeb (2015) confirmed the role of microfinancing in poverty reduction in their study where they analyzed cross-sectional data and panel data of 1132 microfinance institutions in 57 developing countries. Their study found that “a country with higher MFIs’ gross loan portfolio per capita tends to have lower levels of Poverty Head Count Ratio and a higher level of per capita”.
Another study by Iqbal, Iqbal, and Mushtaq (2015) found that microfinance has helped poverty alleviation by generating more self-employment opportunities and improving the standard of living in a district of Punjab, Pakistan.
However, not everybody agrees with this proposition. Zhang (2017) is of the view that microfinance need not necessarily reduce poverty. Aneel Karnani (2007) makes it clear that though microcredit yields some non-economic benefits, it does not contribute significantly to poverty alleviation. In fact, in some cases, microfinancing creates more problems than solutions for people at the bottom of the pyramid. This is because the cost of borrowing through microcredit institutions is higher compared to that of the conventional banking system. This lowers the cash flow to the poor. Secondly, those who seek microcredits are often liberated or barely literate. They do not have the skill, vision, creativity, or persistence to be an entrepreneur. Without any operational assistance, it becomes difficult for them to conduct a successful business.
Banerjee and Jackson (2017) added to the literature when their study reflected a different picture contradicting the immense popularity of microfinance as a means of poverty alleviation. They found that instead of promoting empowerment while enhancing social capital in poor communities, microfinance increased indebtedness among already poverty-stricken communities and thereby exacerbating their economic, social, and environmental vulnerabilities. The authors argue that microfinancing is providing funds but not the knowledge and skill needed to convert that fund into assets and start up a business venture. Devoid of any expert knowledge and understanding of formal business these poor people are not always becoming successful in their endeavors which is increasing their indebtedness and difficulty of life. Moreover, the aggressive payment tactics involving public shaming of defaulters are adversely affecting the social ties within the communities and their family members. As a result, many poor people are getting secluded from their communities and are facing difficulty in developing social capital in terms of trust, reciprocity, and cooperation.
Microfinance has also been criticized from an ethical perspective as did Hudson and Sandberg (2013). They questioned the lending techniques and charging of an abysmally high rate of interest by the microfinance institutions from an ethical point of view. They argued that it is exploitative and unfair to ask for an interest rate that is above the market rate form people who barely has any resource to fiancé their daily lives. Their study challenges the much-hyped poverty alleviating role of microfinance and suggest how to balance financial and social goals with the help of financial institutions.
Chapter 3 – Methodology
This section aims to describe the research approach, tools used in the research, and the hypotheses formulated regarding awareness of microfinance in Saudi Arabia.
3.1 Scope of the research
The research questions are centered on the effectiveness of Sharia-based microfinance in Saudi Arabia and whether people of this country are aware of its benefit. Notwithstanding the economic prosperity of the country, microfinance has a vital role to play in improving the employment scenario of Saudi Arabia. The state has un-declared poverty issues which are mostly because of a lack of entrepreneurial activities and a traditional mismatch in terms of financial support. The conventional banking sector has not been active enough to extend their helping hands towards this group of people belonging to the lowest strata of the economy. Sharia-compliant microfinance institutes can support people from financially constraint backgrounds to set up small and medium-sized enterprises and be self-sufficient. The result of such endeavors will have a direct positive effect on the economy of Saudi Arabia.
The encouraging effects of microfinance can only be seen on the economy of the country when people belonging to the weaker section will be aware of its benefits and will come forward to take its advantage. One of the primary target groups of microfinance schemes is women. With support from microfinance institutions, women are encouraged to venture into businesses that are suitable within the society of the country and be empowered. The objective is to bring in greater gender equality in society. Another aim of microfinance is to extend financial security to capital constraint groups of people and make them capable so that they can lead a better life, manage their life events, invest in education, and head towards a meaningful life.
The research will attempt to offer recommendations on the awareness about microfinance can be improved in the Kingdom country. The youth and the people with low financial capacities need to understand the benefits that microfinance can bring to their lives and what are its challenges. This is especially true for women who want to move ahead in the path of self-reliance.
3.2 Research methodology
The research methodology is important as the whole of the dissertation rests on the findings of the research which can only be arrived at using the right research methodology. Three types of methodology can be used to carry out research, namely quantitative research, qualitative research, and mixed research.
The quantitative research method is concerned with the collection of data, analysis thereof, and their final interpretation. Quantitative research design can be either descriptive, where the variables are measured once, or experimental where the variables are measured before and after treatment. In social sciences, the descriptive method is generally used, and it establishes an association between variables. The basic characteristics of quantitative research methods are a high degree of control, emphasis on the operational definition, replicability, and hypothesis testing. Quantitative research deals with data that can be measured in numbers analyzed applying convergent reasoning and represented visually.
Qualitative research methodology emphasizes the qualities of variables where data are not in the form of numbers. This method is more concerned with the socially constructed nature of realities, the profound interrelationship between the researcher and the subject of study, and situational barriers that outline inquiry. Qualitative research follows a method of collecting and analyzing information in many different forms, which are primarily non-numeric. The objective of the qualitative approach is to explore things in great detail, examine the smaller numbers of instances from all possible perspectives, and achieve depth instead of breadth. The significant characteristics of the qualitative research method are that the contexts of inquiry are neutral. Nothing is predefined or assumed. The researcher gets personally involved in the issues that they are studying and views the problems from a broader perspective not just as a variable. This method of research is more experience-based and strived to understand the experiences and different perspectives.
This research is based on a quantitative method where the research question will be answered by studying behaviors of a few variables for which numeral data will be collected and analyzed. The rationale behind the choice of research method is that quantitative research allows a broader study involving a more significant number of objects and thereby helping in the generalization of the result. It has more objectivity and accuracy so far as the results are concerned and do not involve personal bias.
Now there are two typical modes of data collection, a name using primary sources and using secondary sources. Data that are collected directly from the field of research for the first time by the researcher to conduct a specific study is known as primary data. The origins of primary data are interviews, questionnaire surveys, Delphi technique, projective techniques, and focus group interviews. Secondary data are those that were collected by someone else for a different purpose and may have undergone statistical analysis but is being used by the current researcher for his or her study. There are two sources for collecting secondary data: internal and external. Internal sources include financial statements, sales reports, customer details, management information systems, and the like. The external sources of secondary data are government reports, business journals, books and magazines, newspapers, libraries, databases, and the Internet.
This study will use both types of data to understand the awareness of microfinance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and analyze its significance. This is because the subject of study is vast, and it requires the right amount of information to fulfill the aim and objective of the study.
To be able to grasp the notion of proprietors’ at the usefulness of Islamic microfinance in Saudi Arabia, a qualitative observe changed into behavior. Semi-established interviews became used due to the number one research technique. The interview become conducted at some stage in March 2015 with an aggregate of statements on bank performs and relation to Short firms, and interviews with micro-entrepreneurs and financial executives of short and middle corporations. There have been four interviewees such as micro-marketers, an economic executive in a middle business venture with differences in economic know-how, and the population so that you can hold close the banks’ lodging to each resident and citizens of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The motive for the pattern volume would be the joblessness of additional comparable stage tops of agencies or industrialists, as the studies try and discover the high relationship of banks to companies and recognition of those corporations to Islamic microfinance as a format.
3.3 Collection of research data
This study took the help of the questionnaire method to collect primary data. A questionnaire was prepared which contained queries related to demographic information and a set of questions about microfinance, its effects, and awareness. The surveys were distributed to 150 individuals who were randomly selected.
For the collection of secondary data, caution was maintained concerning the reliability of the information and sources. Authentic sources such as an online database like EBSCO Host, Emerald, Science Direct, and Social Science Research Networks (SSRN) were extensively used to gather published articles on the subject of microfinance. Besides books related to banking and finance were also consulted to collect authentic and relevant data.
The data obtained had been subjected to an interpretive analysis to locate commonplace themes amongst responses supplied with the aid of the interviewees. This becomes achieved to apprehend the perception of these interviewees on numerous financing strategies and mainly the Islamic microfinance. The small sample and widespread traits of these interviewees will limit the similarities that are what the examiner is aiming to obtain. Furthermore, the analysis takes observe to the present-day financial institution practices and focuses on the similarities between the real bank processes to the MSMEs section within the market and the understanding of the interviewees to the bank’s practices.
Chapter 4 – Findings and Discussion
4.1 Demographic profile
4.1.1 Gender
Out of 150 individuals interviewed, 85 were male, and 65 were female, which makes the gender ratio 57 percent is to 43 percent.
4.1.2 Age
The age distribution of the 150 respondents is represented in the following table and the graph.
Age (Years)
No. of respondents
Percentage of respondents
Less than 20 years
10
7
20-30
30
20
30-40
90
60
More than 40 years
20
13
Table 1.
Sixty percent of respondents are in the age group of 3-40 years, 20 percent are in 20-30 years. 13 percent are more than 40 years old and a mere 7 percent is less than 20 years old.
4.1.3 Marital Status
The marital status of the 150 respondents is represented in the following table and the graph.
Marital Status
No. of respondents
Percentage of respondents
Single
39
26
Married
68
45
Widow
28
19
Divorce
15
10
Table 2.
The sample consisted of 45 percent of married individuals. 26 percent are single. 19 percent have lost their spouses, of which most are women and 10 percent had their marriages terminated.
4.1.4 Education
The level of education of the 150 respondents is represented in the following table and the graph.
Table 3
Level of Education
No. of respondents
Percentage of respondents
Illiterate
10
7
Matric
67
44
High School
42
28
Graduation
3
2
Post-Graduation
1
1
Vocational
20
13
Other
7
5
The sample had 44 percent individual with an education level of school or metric level. 28 percent completed high school. 13 percent received vocational training, and 7 percent is illiterate.
4.1.5 Occupation
The kind of occupation these 150 respondents are engaged in is represented in the following table and the graph.
Table 4
Type of occupation
No. of respondents
Percentage of respondents
Employed
20
13
Self-employed
31
21
Labour
17
11
Housewife
25
17
Unemployed
37
25
Professional
1
1
Family-owned business
13
8
Retired
6
4
The survey had interviewed 13 percent of people with services, 21 percent of people engaged in self-employment, 11 percent working as labor, 17 percent are housewives, 25 percent unemployed.
4.2 responses to the questionnaire
Question 1: Microfinancing helps in poverty reduction
Options
No of respondents
Percentage of respondents
Agree
35
23.33
Strongly agree
27
18
Neutral
56
37.33
Disagree
22
14.67
Strongly disagree
10
6.67
37.33 percent of respondents are not aware of whether microfinancing has any positive effect on poverty eradication. 23.33 percent think that microfinancing helps eradicate poverty, 14.67 percent do not agree with the view. There is a lack of awareness reading the effects of microfinance.
Question 2: Microfinancing contributes to the improvement of income level
Options
No of respondents
Percentage of respondents
Agree
36
24
Strongly agree
25
16.67
Neutral
58
38.67
Disagree
23
15.33
Strongly disagree
8
5.33
No information is available to 38.67 percent of people whether microfinancing improves income level or not. Despite that, 24 percent think that microfinancing can be a key instrument in improving income level and 16.67 percent strongly believes so. But there is 15.33 percent of people who do not agree with this view. People surveyed seem not aware of how microfinance impacts impact level.
Question 3: Microfinancing uplifts social status
Options
No of respondents
Percentage of respondents
Agree
39
26
Strongly agree
23
15.33
Neutral
63
42
Disagree
12
8
Strongly disagree
13
8.67
Again, the impact of micro financing on social status is not very clearly understood by 42 percent of respondents. However, there seems to be an important segment of the population that understands the impact. 26; percent agree that microfinance can uplift social status and 26 percent strongly agree with this opinion. Another indication of a lack of awareness is reflected through these responses.
Q4: Microfinancing enhances recognition in the family
Options
No of respondents
Percentage of respondents
Agree
28
18.67
Strongly agree
25
16.67
Neutral
33
22
Disagree
47
31.33
Strongly disagree
17
11.33
There seems to be a sense of dissent concerning the question of whether microfinance can help in enhancing recognition in the family with 31.33 percent responding negatively to this question. But 16.67 percent strongly believe it does and 22 percent are neutral. There is a general perception that microfinance does not alter one’s position inside the household.
Q5: In developing countries, people are not aware of microfinancing
Options
No of respondents
Percentage of respondents
Agree
36
24
Strongly agree
45
30
Neutral
20
13.33
Disagree
27
18
Strongly disagree
22
14.67
A whopping 30 percent of respondents strongly agree that people are not aware of microfinance in developing countries, 24 percent aggress to it and 18 percent expressed their opinion against it. Participants have acknowledged the absence of awareness regarding microfinance in most developing countries.
Q6: Microfinancing originates from Islam and its principles.
Options
No of respondents
Percentage of respondents
Agree
20
13.33
Strongly agree
21
14
Neutral
10
6.67
Disagree
68
45.33
Strongly disagree
31
20.67
Most of the individuals find no relation between Islam rule and microfinancing. 45.33 percent believe that it is against the rules of Islamic laws. 20.67 percent disagrees with the notion that microfinance originates from Islam and its principles. There is a dearth of basic understanding so far as Islamic law and microfinancing are concerned, which perhaps has led to its low popularity.
Q7: Microfinancing based on Sharia law is better than traditional microfinancing.
Options
No of respondents
Percentage of respondents
Agree
63
42
Strongly agree
78
52
Neutral
5
3.33
Disagree
2
1.33
Strongly disagree
2
1.33
Those surveyed are highly in favor of Sharia law based microfinancing as 52 percent strongly believes that Islamic microfinancing is better than traditional microfinancing. Preference towards the Sharia-based microfinancing system makes it the need of the hour.
Q8: Saudi Arabia has a strong system of microfinancing based on Sharia law for its poor population
Options
No of respondents
Percentage of respondents
Agree
40
26.67
Strongly agree
27
18
Neutral
33
22
Disagree
15
10
Strongly disagree
35
23.33
Saudi Arabia has a robust system of Sharia-compliant microfinancing system things 26.67 percent of respondents. Contrarily, 23.33 percent strongly oppose this view. A significant 22 percent remain neutral. Although many are aware of the Sharia-compliant microfinancing system, efforts are needed to create greater awareness.
Q9: Developing countries need to spread awareness about microfinancing among its population.
Options
No of respondents
Percentage of respondents
Agree
27
18
Strongly agree
81
54
Neutral
17
11.33
Disagree
19
12.67
Strongly disagree
6
4
The need for the spread of awareness about microfinancing in developing countries is strongly felt by 54 percent of respondents. 11.33 percent are neutral, and 12.67 percent disagrees. Microfinancing has proved to be an effective tool for poverty eradication in many countries. Hence, it must be promoted in developing nations as well.
Q 10. Microfinancing can cause a higher level of indebtedness.
Options
No of respondents
Percentage of respondents
Agree
31
20.67
Strongly agree
42
28
Neutral
30
20
Disagree
19
12.67
Strongly disagree
28
18.67
Arabs are apprehensive that microfinance can increase their indebtedness as 28 percent strongly thinks so. 20 percent are again neutral, and 18.67 percent strongly disagree. The apprehension is rather harmful to the spread and progress of the microfinancing system in Saudi Arabia.
Q11: The techniques applied for loan repayment are rather harsh.
Options
No of respondents
Percentage of respondents
Agree
36
24
Strongly agree
59
39.33
Neutral
18
12
Disagree
29
19.33
Strongly disagree
8
5.33
Loan repayment techniques applied by financial institutions are rather harsh thinks 39.33 percent of respondents, 24 percent resonate with this view and 19.33 percent disagrees. People need to be sensitized about the repayment processes to make them feel comfortable about approaching microfinance credits.
Q12: Microfinancing institutions often support poor entrepreneurs with needed decision-making skills and managerial practices.
Options
No of respondents
Percentage of respondents
Agree
30
20
Strongly agree
23
15.33
Neutral
48
32
Disagree
37
24.67
Strongly disagree
12
8
The role of microfinance institutes as a supporter of small enterprises is not widely known in Saudi Arabia as 32 percent are neutral, 24.67 percent disagree that microfinance companies ever extend a helping hand to small enterprises. The microfinancing companies are not active at promoting themselves and their contributions.
4.3. Discussion
The demographic profile of the sample of 150 individuals consisted of 57 percent male and 43 percent female making it a near gender neutral sample. Sixty percent of the sample size belonged to the age group of 30-40 years and 20 percent 20-30 years, which means that majority of those surveyed are in the prime of their youth and are in the most productive and enthusiastic phase of life. Thirteen percent are retired, and seven percent are in their late teens. The marital status of the respondents shows that a large portion of them are married and are running a household while the next highest population is single. There is 19 percent of people who have lost their spouses. Since a significant part of this section is a woman, they are in dire need of financial support to become self-sustaining and independent. So far as the education level of the respondents is concerned, the majority of them have either studied till matriculation or have passed high school. The study also found 13 percent of people who have undergone some kind of vocational education and 7 percent are illiterate. Thus, this study will reveal the viewpoints of those who are not considered highly educated and broadly aware. The participants are engaged in different occupations. Thirteen percent are jobholders, 21 percent self-employed, 11 percent labor, 17 percent housewife and a meager 8 percent belong to a family-owned business. What is noteworthy is that 25 percent of those surveyed are unemployed, which is an indication of the underlying problem of unemployment and undeclared poverty in Saudi Arabia.
A significant section of the sample population is neutral (37%) to the question of whether microfinancing helps in poverty reduction, which is an indication that either they have never approached any institution for microfinance or are not aware of its benefits. Twenty-three percent of people agreed with the view and 18 percent strongly agreed. But interestingly, 14 percent of people expressed their opinions against this statement, which is another signal that awareness regarding microfinance is not high among the less educated youth of Saudi Arabia.
Concerning questions that tried to understand the opinion of the sample population regarding the benefits of microfinancing in terms of raising the level of income, uplifting social status, and enhancing recognition, it was found that the majority of respondents are neutral which again reinforces the premise that awareness about microfinance is low in the country.
Nearly half of those who were surveyed strongly agreed that developing countries people are not aware of microfinancing. When asked about the connection between microfinance and Islamic principles, 45 percent of respondents disagreed. They are of the view that microfinance is a concept based on the charging of interest on the sum of money lent, which is against the rules of Islam. On the same line, 94 percent of those surveyed believe that microfinance or for that matter any kind of finance that is Sharia-compliant is better than the traditional form of financing.
The opinion of whether Saudi Arabia has a robust system of microfinancing based on Sharia law for its impoverished population is widely distributed. Around 27 percent think it has, 23 percent strongly things it does not, and 22 percent is not aware of any such facility. But a large section of 54 percent feels that it is essential to spread awareness about microfinancing in developing countries.
There seems to be a negative outlook about microfinance in Saudi Arabi as 28 percent think that microfinancing can cause a higher level of indebtedness. Here again, 20 percent of people are neutral. Additionally, there is a strong opinion against the methods applied to recover microfinance loans. An apprehension is looming large that there is a likelihood of public humiliation in case of loan default.
When asked the role that microfinance institutes play in supporting the poor entrepreneurs with needed decision-making skills and managerial practices, 32 percent of the respondents seemed unaware. And a staggering 25 percent thought that they play no such role.
A more detailed analysis of the data has revealed that the awareness about microfinance is particularly lacking among women, especially those who are interested in running their business to support their families in cases of no support from male partners either due to their demise or for other reasons.
Chapter 5 -Conclusion and Recommendation
5.1 Conclusion
From the findings of the research based on primary data, it is clear that youth of Saudi Arabia who is not from educated background lack knowledge and understanding of microfinance as a system that can improve their possibility of leading a better life with an enhanced level of income and greater respect in the society and family. Rather, there is a negative feeling about it as a system that is against the rules of Islam. Questions are also being raised about the methods that microfinance institutes use o recover loans and the role that these institutions are supposed to play in offering the small entrepreneurs managerial and risk management skills. There is a fear that microfinance may lead to increased indebtedness.
The secondary research reveals that efforts are being made in Saudi Arabia to increase the number of microfinance institutions and spread Shari compliant microfinance across those people who are either willing to start small scale businesses or are eager to add to the productivity of their existing businesses or are looking for opportunities of self-employment to get rid of the pangs of unemployment and poverty. However, the primary research tells that those efforts have not reached the target audience in the way they should have. Moreover, women who are the prime target of microfinance are severely unaware of the benefits of microfinance in Saudi Arabia.
5.2 Recommendations
It is an urgent need to spread awareness about microfinance across the country so that people from the backward section of the society can find employment and income opportunities. Women must be given special attention to awareness programs as one of the top objectives of microfinance is the empowerment of women.
To achieve the desired outcome efforts from government and semi-government and non-government organizations must come forth. Seminars and lectures can be organized to let people know what microfinance is, how its related to the principles of Islam, how Sharia-based microfinance works, and finally how they can be benefited. The microfinance intuitions can also run awareness programs among their target groups and show them an example of other countries where people have overcome poverty with the help of microfinance. They should make all-out efforts to remove all the misconceptions that are prevalent in the minds of people concerning the side effects of microfinance such as an increase in indebtedness, the possibility of being humiliated in society, and disrespected inside the family. These people must be given assurance that the microfinance institutes will be there to support them not only with financial resources but also with knowledge, training, managerial skill, and risk management techniques.
It must be understood at the governmental level of Saudi Arabia that dependence on oil for the economic property is not a sustainable growth strategy. Alternative methods of growth need to be adapted to maintain the prosperity of the economy and its people. With an increasing population, the requirement for employment is sure to rise, which if unattended will heighten poverty and misery. Microfinance is the tool that can act as a savior. More support should be offered to the microfinance institutes so that they can reach out to those in dire need of finance and capital.
It is the responsibility of the microfinance institutes to be real support of those people who they lend their money to. They must understand that these people are not equipped with adequate knowledge, information, skill, and technology to run a business. They need constant assistance and guidance which will place on the path to success. Microfinance companies must earn the trust of these people and be their guiding light so that the borrowers can utilize their funds effectively in a venture and earn adequate revenue to repay the loan along with heading towards a life full of prosperity and satisfaction.
Reference
Aboud, O., Faisal, S.M. (2016). Challenges and prospects of micro-financing institutions: A detailed study in India and Saudi Arabia. Research Journal of Finance and Accounting, 7(6). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322049667_Challenges_and_Prospects_of_Micro_Finance_Institutions-_A_Detailed_Study_in_India_and_Saudi_Arabia_in_the_Research_Journal_of_Finance_and_Accounting_ISSN_2222-1697_Paper_ISSN_2222-2847_Vol7_No6_May_20
Abdul Rahim, A., Rahman, A., (2010). Islamic microfinance: An ethical alternative to poverty alleviation”, Humanomics,26(4), 284-95, https://doi.org/10.1108/08288661011090884
Adewale, A.A., Al-Jaafreh, A.S., and Osman, M.A. (2015). Islamic microfinance and MSMEs development in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative inquiry. International Journal of Education and Research, 3(9). 59-72. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/290429954_ISLAMIC_MICROFINANCE_AND_MSMES_DEVELOPMENT_IN_SAUDI_ARABIA_A_QUALITATIVE_INQUIRY
Ahmed, H. (2002). Financing micro-enterprises: An analytical study of Islamic microfinance institutions, Journal of Islamic Economic Studies 9(2).
Az-Zuhayli, W. (2006). The juridical meaning of Riba,” in Abdulkader Thomas (ed.). Interest in Islamic Economics: Understanding Riba. Oxon: Routledge.
Banerjee, S.B., and Jackson, L. (2016). Microfinance and the business of poverty reduction: Critical perspectives from rural Bangladesh. Human Relations, 70(1), 63-91. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0018726716640865
Encyclopedia Britannica, (2018), Shari’ah Islamic Law
Hudson, M., and Sandberg, J. (2013). The ethical crisis in microfinance: Issues, findings, and implications. Business Ethics Quarterly, 23(4), 561-589. https://doi.org/10.5840/beq201323440
Iqbal, Z., Iqbal, S., and Mushtaq, M.A. (2015). Impact of microfinance on poverty alleviation: The study of district Bahawal Nagar, Punjab, Pakistan. Management and Administrative Sciences Review, 4(3), 487-503.
Institute of Islamic Banking and Insurance, (2018), Shari’ah rulings and finance.
Juliette, (2013). What is Islamic microfinance? Retrieved from https://www.microworld.org/en/news-from-the-field/article/what-islamic-microfinance
Lee, R. (2018, Oct. 31). 15 facts about poverty in Saudi Arabia. The Borgen Project. Retrieved from https://borgenproject.org/tag/poverty-in-saudi-arabia/
Miled, K.B., Rejeb, J.B., (2015). Microfinance and poverty reduction: A review and synthesis of empirical evidence. Procedia- Social and Behavioral Sciences, 195(3), 705-712.Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042815038185
Obaidullah, M. (2008). Introduction to Islamic Microfinance. IBF Net (P) Limited, India. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228201195_Introduction_to_Islamic_Microfinance
Rhule, K. (2016). Islamic microfinance: A vehicle for promoting financial inclusion. Retrieved from https://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1024&context=international_immersion_program_papers
Yasmin, L., (2013), Religion and after Bangladeshi identity since 1971. Open Security. Retrieved from https://www.opendemocracy.net/opensecurity/lailufar-yasmin/religion-and-after-bangladeshi-identity-since-1971
Zhang, Q. (2017). Does microfinance reduce poverty? Some international evidence. The B.E. Journal of Macroeconomics, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.1515/bejm-2016-0011
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
Sustainability as a concept is increasingly being applied in the 21st century in diverse engineering fields such as construction, power, automobile industries amongst others. The grave challenges posed by global warming particularly resulting from rising human population, environmental pollution, widespread depletion of natural resources, scarcity of food and water as well as threats to energy security have necessitated a paradigm shift in engineering and design solutions. To achieve sustainable outcomes in the field of engineering and engineering management, it is critical to embrace sustainability by adopting sustainable engineering practices and thereby facilitate sustainable development. Sustainability is defined as the capacity to ensure that we maintain an improving the quality of life for all people, now as well as in the future is, while also simultaneously ensuring that ecosystem services and natural resources critical for life to sustain on earth are available on a continues basis (Hood 1999). Sustainable engineering implies the application of engineering in systems sustainably by utilizing sustainable resources so that the system provides a sustainable output (Rosen 2012). Sustainable development, on the other hand, is an approach towards development such that the needs of the present-day world are met and at the same time there is no compromise on the capability of the future generations to meet their own needs (WECD 1987, p. 8).
Sustainability consists of three pillars: environmental, economic, and societal sustainability, and engineering is directly linked to each of these components (Rosen 2012). Balancing these aspects is a challenging task faced by organizations but successful implementation of these principles is crucial to achieve good standards of living, foster social and cultural development, social stability, minimize wastage of resources thereby ensuring continuous availability of ecosystem services. This indicates that sustainability and sustainable development involves the balancing of the fine line between our need to advance economically and technologically and at the same time ensure that we protect the environment in which we live so that the ecosystem services critical to the survival of earth are readily available to us as well as our future generations. This report will firstly review and critique existing literature about sustainability in the engineering management sector and finally address the importance of embracing sustainable engineering management practices to achieve a functioning sustainable society.
Annotated Bibliography on Sustainable Engineering & Management
2.1 Journal Article 1
Bhutto, AW, Bazmi, AA, Zahedi, G & Klemeš, JJ 2014, ‘A review of progress in renewable energy implementation in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries’, Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 71, pp. 168-180.
This article assesses the benefits of funding and investments in renewable energy projects, explores potential sources and avenues for the development of renewable energy, and debates the policies and strategies to help promote and develop renewable energy for GCC to counter the increasing use of non-renewable energy sources, diversify economies, reduce dependency on oil and address the challenges of a post-oil future. This environmental awakening among GCC is attributed to their accession to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol as these frameworks demand continuous commitment towards the reduction of greenhouse gases. Developing and adopting technologies and management strategies about alternative energy sources, carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), and energy efficiency is the way forward for GCC to simultaneously reduce carbon emissions and enhance economic diversity. The article states that strategic location and climatic conditions have created huge opportunities for the development of photovoltaic and wind systems and in that regard, the GCC countries need to create subsidies for investments and develop specific legislation to promote renewable energy and foreign investments in their energy-intensive markets. The information presented in the article is of critical interest to engineering professionals and companies looking to capture the energy-intensive markets of the middle-east as renewable energy is the only way forward to ensure that human development takes place sustainably, now and into the future. By highlighting the need to train and support new generations on renewable energy technologies, the article addresses the need for national planning so that new, niche, and competitive technologies are developed which suit their climatic conditions.
2.2 Journal Article 2
Islam, KMA & Salma, U 2016, ‘The renewable energy and sustainable development: a case study of Bangladesh’, International Journal of Finance and Banking Research, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 139-146.
This article assesses the potential of various renewable energy sources to generate power and examines the different promising technologies available for sustainable power generation in Bangladesh such as solar homes, wind, and hydro energy amongst others. A review of the current energy situation in Bangladesh suggests that the existing energy generation infrastructure is dependent on fossil fuels and hence is not in the interest of sustainability. With the demand for power expected to grow exponentially in the future, the article’s focus on integrating various impacts on the environment. Industrial sectors should practice the consumption of renewable energy technologies in the power sector is highly relevant to achieving sustainability in the country’s power sector and these sources also have the potential to ease the bottleneck caused by the power sector about overall development in Bangladesh. Furthermore, it is seen that renewable energy projects are becoming popular in Bangladesh in recent times owing to relevant government policies and institutional facilitation, however, the country still faces issues in accelerating the growth of these projects due to fluctuating stakeholder interests. The article addresses this issue by suggesting that mechanisms be developed to maximize stakeholder participation by collaborating between the public sector, private sector as well as NGOs’ to ensure a wide range of knowledgeable inputs flows into the development of a strong policy framework to effectively move towards sustainable energy development. The most important highlight of the article is its emphasis on implementing sustainable projects under the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol to help the country meet its energy requirements sustainably. Upon successful implementation of the above policies, renewable energy sources can be used efficiently to generate power and it is also possible to penetrate isolated rural areas thereby lifting the living and social standards of the people.
2.3 Journal Article 3
Liew, WH, Hassim, MH & NG, DKS 2014, ‘Review of evolution, technology and sustainability assessments of biofuel productions’, Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 71, pp. 11-29.
This article acknowledges the importance of biofuels to counter the dual problems of fossil fuel depletion and climate change to achieve sustainable engineering outcomes which are attributed to the fact that these fuels are derived from sustainable sources and help in minimizing the greenhouse effect. By reviewing the evolution of biofuels, the article examines the current state-of-the-art technologies for biodiesel and bioethanol production, lignocellulosic biomass conversion, technology for algae processing as well as bio-refineries where biomass is converted into products like biofuels, bio-oils for power generation. Emphasizing the large-scale opportunity of biofuel production, the article highlights the importance of assessing the potential impacts of the production technologies for biofuels and in that regard, review the impact of biofuels on the three pillars of sustainability; economic, environmental, societal impacts, and subsequent performance. It is seen that despite the numerous advantages of biofuels, there are certain economic barriers towards commercializing biofuel production such as capital and feedstock cost, process yield, plant capacity, and availability. On the contrary, while assessing the social impacts of biofuels, the authors state that the biofuels will considerably aid towards societal sustainability because of the increased demand for agricultural feedstock which would result in higher income generation and creation of job opportunities particularly in the rural areas of poor countries resulting in the development of the agricultural economy. A concentrated effort towards the development of biofuel production technologies as well as an assessment of the biofuel production process in its design phase is required to optimize engineering and installation costs so that sustainability is guaranteed in all its aspects thereby benefiting humans and the environment in the long run.
2.4 Journal Article 4
Rosen, MA 2012, ‘Engineering sustainability: a technical approach to sustainability’, Sustainability, vol. 4, no. 9, pp. 2270-2292.
This article addresses the key components such as the selection of sustainable resources, use of sustainable processes, enhancing the efficiency of engineering processes while reducing environmental impact, and fulfilling other sustainability aspects like equity, economic affordability, stakeholder involvement, and appropriate land use to achieve sustainability in engineering and ultimately, the overall sustainability for human development. A key takeaway from this article is that pathways and options for engineering sustainability can be achieved by addressing the above factors. The advantages of various sustainable resources useful in engineering such as biomass, renewable sources such as solar, wind, geothermal energy with special emphasis on the use of wastes as inputs to engineering processes to reduce or eliminate the need for new natural resources are reviewed in the article. While discussing sustainable processes, the article acknowledges the need for a sustainable approach to design and manufacturing as well as the need to control and monitor the processes so that they remain sustainable in the long run. An interesting highlight of this article is its emphasis on using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach to assess the cradle-to-grave impacts of an engineering activity or a product on the environment (Figure 1). The focus on the need to transition towards Net-Zero Energy Buildings and Communities which generate the same amount of electricity as they consume finally illustrates how all the above-mentioned sustainable aspects such as resources, processes can be integrated to function as one sustainable system. This literature is highly relevant to the field of engineering sustainability as we get a comprehensive understanding of how the different aspects of sustainability can be integrated to get an effective and sustainable engineering output.
Figure 2. 1. Scope of life cycle assessment of a product or process, showing steps in the life
cycle vertically and inputs and outputs horizontally.
Source: Rosen (2012)
2.5 Journal Article 5
Sharma, R 2016, ‘Sustainable buildings in the hot and dry climate of India’, International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 134-144.
With regards to the increasing use of energy in commercial buildings in India and its detrimental effect on the environment due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, this article focuses on the critical attributes of sustainability in construction engineering by examining the model of sustainable buildings. By reviewing the sustainable building concept, the article highlights an engineering idea that can be employed across the world to reduce energy consumption and at the same time not hamper the development rate. Focussing on the built environment in hot and dry places such as in the city of Jodhpur in India, the article argues that Solar Passive technology needs to be integrated into the building materials and elements to mitigate the undesirable effects of the dry and hot climate so that the interiors stay warm in winter and cool in summer. Passive systems contribute to a great extent in achieving sustainability because they considerably reduce the size of traditional cooling or heating systems as well as the quantity of non-renewable fuels required to maintain optimum temperatures in the buildings. A key takeaway from this article which is in the interest of sustainability is that these buildings will balance all the aspects of energy use such as ventilation, space conditioning, and lighting through the use of passive solar technologies, renewable sources of energy, and energy efficiency machinery. Despite all the advantages of this technology mentioned in the article, there is a need to also address the limitations, conduct more research, and design practical solutions especially in the case of developing countries. However, it is worth noting that infrastructure needs and costs can be greatly reduced by enacting sustainable building policies and using an integrated approach to urban planning.
Journal Article 6
Sutar, BH & Gokhale, VA 2016, ‘Conceptualising sustainable transportation for the city of Pune, India’, International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 83-89.
With regards to the increasing traffic, road congestion, air, and noise pollution changing land-use patterns, and taking care of future generations in terms of environmental and financial capacities, this article stresses the need for the development of a sustainable transport system in the western city of Pune in India. With the city witnessing large-scale urban sprawl and rapid growth in car ownership, traffic congestions and air pollution are increasing at an alarming rate and in that regard, this article calls for the development of a mass rapid transit system in the city covering long distances. The article also surveys the primary advantages of such a rapid transport system such as a reduction in greenhouse emissions due to the reduced number of cars on the road, lower levels of pollution, reduced energy conservations amongst others. Furthermore, various initiatives like urban case study in Los Angeles. Los Angeles: School of Architecture and Urban planning, strict control of parking spaces, and access regulations will influence people’s choice of transport and lead to an increase in the use of the rapid transit system. However, successful completion of this project requires the large-scale land acquisition and this issue must be resolved at the earliest.
This article highlights the importance of integrating various engineering systems by utilizing the waste from one system as a resource for another and at a time when it benefits all to foster a sustainable, balanced and inclusive development. By reviewing the recent advances, the article provides a good insight into different areas strategic to sustainable system integration including water and energy issues, sustainable engineering solutions, environmental engineering and management, and large-scale sustainability approaches. By surveying different ways of integrating various systems about energy, water, and the environment about sustainability, the article has touched on many important aspects of sustainability in engineering. Various aspects of sustainable energy use like biomass as a replacement for solid fuels in iron-producing factories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, using flammable waste gases instead of fossil fuels from the steel industry for the iron-ore sintering process have been mentioned in this article. By modifying those processes, these principles could even be applied in coal-based power plants and other factories responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions and thereby contribute to sustainability. However, this article does not mention the limitations of any of these technologies as it is critical to consider the limitations of each process, assess the system as a whole, examine its sustainability about the triple bottom line framework so that we reap the benefits of a fully functioning, efficient and a truly sustainable system.
Towards Effective Sustainable Engineering Management Practices – Lessons from Literature
Increasing existential threats to ecosystem services, our future generations, and the environment calls for engineers across the world to not only provide solutions by solving problems within fixed boundaries but to also pay special attention to the upstream and downstream impacts of the proposed perfect solution. In other words, engineers must have an innovative and holistic approach to account for the whole of life impacts so that there is a net sustainability benefit in terms of its social, environmental, and economic aspects. Moreover, there is a need to practice responsible engagement with the community and relevant stakeholders from the private sector as well as various non-governmental organizations and eventually practice engineering to promote an environment where health, safety, and well-being of the environment and the broader community is of paramount importance. It is required that the governments, industries, and enterprises must embrace sustainable business models and integrate sustainable best practices into their operations so that sustainability engineering becomes the new corporate world order. Diffusion of renewable energy technologies must be accelerated to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and to facilitate this, the engineering cohort must actively work with government agencies to design relevant policies. Furthermore, the Life Cycle Assessment approach must be made mandatory to assess every engineering activity, process, and product from its infancy till handover so that the environmental, social, and economic impacts of that activity are addressed appropriately. Embracing “Design Thinking” in engineering products or activities is an efficient way of achieving sustainability because of the human-centric approach of the concept. It is recommended that practicing engineering professionals work closely with engineering students so that sustainability principles are embedded in the students and they help develop the responses to our sustainability challenges that will shape our current and future life. Table 3.1 shown below summarises the sustainability approaches in engineering.
Table 3.1 Sustainability Approaches in Engineering
Source: PennState College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (2018)
Conclusion
After reviewing the literature, it is seen that sustainable engineering is not only about designing and constructing economically efficient systems, but it is also about addressing the social and environmental aspects of sustainability so that we do not compromise the natural environment or the rights of the future generations to live and satisfy their own needs. Even though the current technologies are in their nascent phase, investments directed towards the research and further development of these technologies is the need of the hour. Furthermore, future engineers must adapt and increasingly engage with society so that the ultimate potential of sustainable engineering is realized and societies across the world become truly sustainable in all respects. Finally, it is worth noting that through sustainable engineering, we can further accelerate the shift towards overall sustainability since engineering activities are embedded in almost every activity in the society and plays a major role in economic development as well as enhancing living standards.
References
Hood, D 1999, Lecture Series for Engineers Australia, Canberra.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. ACCEPTPrivacy Policy
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
