Um estudo da percepção do significado do dinheiro para pessoas adimplentes e inadimplentes na cidade de Uberlândia - MG

Abstract

It is unquestionable that money’s presence is present in all moments of individual’s financial life. Thereby, people may attribute different perceptions and meanings to money that will influence their lifestyles and behaviors, which may be an influencing factor related to the high incidences of bad debt considered by global economy and credit protection agencies, such as Serasa Experian. Features such as Power, Conflict, Pleasure, Progress, Culture, Detachment, Suffering, Inequality and Stability are listed by the Meaning of Money Scale (Moreira and Tamayo, 1999), which contributed with the main objective of this study that aims to identify what is the perception and meaning of money to individuals that are and are not in default, located in the city of Uberlândia – Minas Gerais. The study was based on a survey answered by 102 respondents, structured on a quantitative and descriptive approach, which purpose was to collect, treat and analyze data through Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results indicate that people in default attribute more value to money and relate it with power and obsession, this is a behavior that can contribute to their status. Nevertheless, it is important to point out that aspects such as educational level, social class, culture, among others, can influence considerably the meaning that each individual concedes to money.