43 research outputs found
Austere Times: Male Experiences of Liminal Vulnerability
Drawing on anthropological and gender theories, we investigate the liminal nature of male vulnerability within the context of austerity. From depth interviews with 11 males from 5 European countries, we contribute to the vulnerability and gender literature by revealing the effects of liminal vulnerability on male identities and roles
Customer Relationship Typologies and the Nature of Loyalty in Irish Retail Financial Services
Credit consumption and debt accumulation among low-income consumers:key consequences and intervention strategies
Reflecting the US and Europe, changes in attitudes to money, spending and saving have led
to an acceptance that spending and credit are part of modern Irish consumer society.
Increasing access to credit, aggressive marketing tactics and asymmetric information
between borrower and lender is prevalent, particularly among those in the lower-income,
vulnerable categories, who may not have the same range of choices as higher-income
customers (Kempson et al., 2004; Conroy and O’Leary, 2005).
As there is a paucity of analytical and academic commentary within an Irish context, this
research explores the current nature of credit consumption and debt accumulation among
low-income groups in Ireland. Qualitative supply-side research was conducted through a
series of in-depth interviews with key informants of support agencies and financial
institutions in Ireland involved with consumer credit and debt. In addition, focused consumer
research was conducted with a sample of MABS clients and their advisors in the Mid West
region.
This research identifies critical factors related to both credit provision and debt accumulation.
Key intervention strategies are proposed in relation to consumer education, financial
services regulation and targeted support by voluntary and government agencies