The Meaning of Money among Young Students: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Money as a tool has all the dimensions of life. The meaning of money has been expanded so that its social dimensions can be used alone to analyze the economic situation and market of a society. In this study, we examine the semantic dimensions and meaning that students have of money. The research method is phenomenological research. Deep interviews were conducted of 21 sample students from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, aged between 18 and 29 years old. The research shows 22 statements related to money that were reduced to 3 meanings and classified into 3 domains. These three areas are individual, family, and community attitudes that suggest a conceptual understanding of money among students, although money is an economic tool, but their social status (family position) has influenced attitudes and behavior. And even in its way money has been effective. Students' sense of satisfaction in life increases the money from the individual's point of view, from their perspective; their family can be promising to act in the future, and by the student community, it's a powerful tool and its application can transform the social environment and play a key role in student's skills development.