MJAAR

Research Framework: Navigating the Paradox: Understanding Gen Z's Financial Behaviors and Pathways to Purposeful Living

Dr. Arinaitwe Julius, Asiimwe Isaac Kazaara


Abstract

Generation Z (born 1997-2012) represents the first fully digital-native generation, characterized by unprecedented technological connectivity and shaped by economic uncertainty including the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19 pandemic. Despite facing significant financial constraints such as student debt, housing unaffordability, and inflation, this cohort exhibits paradoxical behaviors: demonstrating pragmatic money management skills and high financial anxiety while simultaneously prioritizing experiential spending, sustainable products, and purpose-driven consumption over traditional wealth accumulation.

Keywords

Generation Z financial literacy purpose-driven consumption financial anxiety life satisfaction.
Metropolitan Journal of Academic and Applied Research

Cite This Article

Dr. Arinaitwe Julius & Asiimwe Isaac Kazaara (2025). Research Framework: Navigating the Paradox: Understanding Gen Z's Financial Behaviors and Pathways to Purposeful Living. Metropolitan Journal of Academic and Applied Research, 4(10). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=26

More in This Issue

View full issue →
16
Terms or Semesters? Re-evaluating the Academic Calendar Structure within Uganda's Evolving Secondary Education Landscape
Dr. Ariyo Gracious Kazaara1 , Asiimwe Isaac Kazaara2
academic calendar structure term-based system semester-based system secondary education
17
The Integrated Path: How Purpose and Discipline Synthesize to Foster Authentic Happiness
Asiimwe Isaac Kazaara1 , Ahumuza Audrey2
authentic happiness life purpose discipline self-regulation
18
The Telecommunications Paradox: Examining Mobile Data Expenditure Patterns Amid Economic Hardship in Uganda
Dr. Arinaitwe Julius1 , Dr. Ariyo Gracious Kazaara2
Mobile data expenditure telecommunications paradox financial vulnerability economic hardship
19
The Three Pillars of Productivity Enhancement: Technical Know-How, Resource Allocation, and Government Willingness in Uganda
Dr. Arinaitwe Julius1 , Musiimenta Nancy2
productivity enhancement technical know-how resource allocation government willingness
20
Wage Conundrum in Uganda: Political Economy of Minimum Wage Stagnation Amidst Extreme Income Disparities
Musiimenta Nancy1 , Ahumuza Audrey2
minimum wage stagnation political economy income inequality worker welfare