GENDER DISPARITIES IN THE USE OF ISLAMIC BANKING SERVICES AMONG UNMARRIED ADULTS: A QUANTILE REGRESSION AND MODERATED MEDIATION APPROACH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22452/Keywords:
Islamic banking, Gender disparities, Unmarried adults, Religiosity, Quantile regressionAbstract
This study investigates gender disparities in the adoption of Islamic banking services among unmarried adults in Indonesia, a demographic characterized by increasing digital financial activity and social independence. Despite regulatory support and the expansion of Shariah-compliant financial services, Islamic banking penetration remains uneven, particularly among younger, unmarried consumers. Drawing on a sample of 528 respondents aged 20–40, the study employs a moderated mediation framework and quantile regression analysis to examine how gender influences Islamic banking usage through perceived product suitability, and how this relationship is moderated by individual religiosity. The results reveal significant gender-based differences in perceived product alignment and banking behavior. Women demonstrate stronger ethical alignment and trust toward Islamic banking products, particularly when religiosity is high. The moderated mediation analysis confirms that religiosity strengthens the indirect pathway from gender to banking usage via perceived suitability. Quantile regression further exposes behavioral heterogeneity, showing that gender effects are more pronounced among low-usage individuals, whereas religiosity and perceived suitability exert stronger effects at higher quantiles. These findings contribute to the literature on Islamic financial inclusion by integrating gender psychology, religiosity, and product perception into a comprehensive analytical model. Practical implications include the design of gender-sensitive financial products, targeted literacy campaigns, and value-based digital banking experiences. The study advocates for inclusive, behaviorally-informed strategies in expanding Islamic banking services to digitally literate, unmarried populations in emerging economies.
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