Exploring the Subjective Financial Well-Being of Indigenous People Communities in Malaysia

This study explores the subjective financial well-being of Indigenous People in Malaysia. Although the concept of financial well-being is strongly established in past studies, the perception of well-being conceptualization from the indigenous people’s view is still not clear. Fifteen heads of households of Indigenous People from the Mah Meri tribe participated in the study. A qualitative method uses an exploratory research design to present information obtained via the Nominal Group Technique. The results of the study on the concept of subjective financial well-being formed three major themes: (1) sufficiency, (2) comfort, and (3) satisfaction. Based on the study’s findings, most informants have good financial socialization, implying Indigenous communities’ ability to embrace well-being. The implication of this research finding is that knowledge and information regarding the utilization and management of finances ought to be assimilated by the Orang Asli Mah Meri so that they do not become victims of modern-world hedonism and luxury brought about by mainstream society. The contribution of this study to the existing body of knowledge can be seen theoretically from the perspective of multi-linear social change. According to multi-linear theorists, human culture has evolved along multiple lines. Meanwhile, contemporary sociologists argue that social changes or occurrences do not happen in a planned manner.