Title: Lifestyle and Financial Literacy Among Junior High School Students: A Grounded Theory Study within the Framework of Consumer Behavior Theory
Authors: Winta Trisnani
Volume: 9
Issue: 6
Pages: 150-159
Publication Date: 2025/06/28
Abstract:
The rise of consumerist culture in the digital era has made junior high school (JHS) students increasingly vulnerable to uncontrolled consumption behavior. This issue becomes more critical considering the low level of financial literacy among students, which can negatively influence their lifestyle in the long term. However, research on the relationship between student lifestyle and financial literacy within the context of consumer behavior remains limited, especially using qualitative approaches. This article aims to deeply explore how lifestyle is formed and how financial literacy influences the consumption behavior of JHS students. Using a grounded theory approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews and observations of students in three public schools in urban areas. The findings show that student lifestyles are shaped by a combination of peer influence, social media, and family consumption patterns. The financial literacy of most respondents remains superficial and has yet to be internalized in daily life. This study produces a conceptual model of student consumer behavior, showing that financial literacy will only have a significant impact when connected to social contexts and the values embedded in peer groups. The implications of this research highlight the importance of integrating financial literacy education into the curriculum and student activities, as well as the need for contextual approaches that are relevant to students' current lives.