Exploring Financial Meaning-Making and Adaptive Strategies among Individuals Facing Economic Uncertainty in Indonesia’s Urban Communities

Abstract

Economic transformations in the digital era have significantly reshaped how individuals experience and interpret financial realities in their daily lives. Within this broader context, previous studies have largely focused on macroeconomic indicators and quantitative models, leaving a critical research gap in understanding subjective financial meaning-making and adaptive responses at the individual level. Despite extensive quantitative studies on financial behaviors, little is known about how individuals construct meaning and negotiate adaptive strategies in response to shifting economic conditions. Here, we apply a descriptive phenomenological approach to uncover the essence of participants’ lived experiences and provide insights into how they interpret and respond to economic challenges. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 15 participants, and thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring patterns of meaning. The findings reveal four central themes: personal meaning-making, adaptive financial strategies, social capital dynamics, and digital coping mechanisms. Participants described diverse strategies for reallocating resources, redefining priorities, and leveraging both technology and community networks to maintain stability amidst uncertainty. These results demonstrate that financial decisions are not solely driven by rational models but are deeply embedded within psychological, cultural, and social contexts. The study contributes to a holistic understanding of economic behavior by integrating phenomenological insights into broader economic frameworks and emphasizes the value of human-centered perspectives in addressing policy challenges. Future research is encouraged to extend these findings across diverse populations and contexts to enrich comparative insights and refine theoretical models of financial adaptation.