Family Resilience in Economic Uncertainty: Household Adaptation Strategies from an Interdisciplinary Perspective
Keywords:
family resilience, economic uncertainty, household adaptation, financial coping strategies, social capitalAbstract
Economic uncertainty has become one of the most pervasive disruptions to household stability in various parts of the world, affecting not only the ability to meet daily needs but also shattering individuals' confidence in the continued well-being of themselves and their loved ones. This study aims to examine the diverse strategies employed by families to maintain stability during periods of economic hardship through the synthesis of perspectives from the fields of economics, psychology, sociology, and family studies. Drawing upon existing theoretical frameworks, this research reveals that household adaptation operates across two interconnected dimensions: the adjustment of material resources and the strengthening of relational bonds, values, and psychological resilience. The findings indicate that families engage in various adaptive behaviors, including expenditure prioritization, income diversification, asset utilization, the activation of social networks, and meaning-making processes that reframe hardship as manageable life challenges. This integrated perspective challenges narrow economic interpretations of household stability and demonstrates that effective support for families during economic crises must simultaneously encompass material and psychosocial dimensions. This research contributes to a more holistic understanding of family resilience and offers practical implications for policymakers and practitioners working with vulnerable households.
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