A Sociological Model for the Dimensions and Components Shaping Economic Consumption Patterns from the Islamic Perspective with an Emphasis on Social Capital (Case Study: People of Qom, 2022)

Introduction and Research Objectives: One of the fundamental challenges in modern societies is managing economic consumption patterns and their impact on sustainable development. Economic consumption patterns are a crucial indicator of people's attitudes and behaviors toward available resources and assets. Improper purchasing and consumption behaviors have significant consequences, many of which are negative and generally fall into two categories: public and individual consequences. The issue of consumption can be discussed in two dimensions:
 The "level of consumption", indicates the quantity and extent of consumption. The "composition of consumption", determines the allocation of consumption between domestically and internationally produced goods. In Iran, consumerism and deviation from optimal consumption patterns—especially under the influence of modern consumer culture—have raised concerns about resource waste and economic repercussions. Islam, as a comprehensive religion, provides principles and values to regulate both individual and social economic behaviors. Additionally, the concept of social capital plays a crucial role in shaping consumption patterns by influencing economic and social interactions. This study aimed to examine the relationship between social capital and economic consumption patterns from an Islamic perspective, with a particular focus on the people of Qom. The objectives of this research were: identifying the dimensions and components of economic consumption patterns from the Islamic perspective, examining the role of social capital in modifying citizens' consumption patterns, developing a sociological model to explain the relationship between social capital and consumption patterns, and analyzing the social and economic consequences of changing consumption patterns based on Islamic values. Using Grounded Theory, this research seeks to develop a theoretical model that illustrates how elements of social capital—such as trust, social participation, and commitment to Islamic values—can contribute to the improvement of economic consumption patterns.
Research Methodology: This study aimed to identify, extract, and structure the factors and components shaping and influencing economic consumption patterns among the citizens of Qom from an Islamic perspective, with an emphasis on social capital. To achieve this, the research employs a qualitative methodology and utilizes Grounded Theory as the primary research method.
Population and Sampling: The statistical population consists of experts and specialists in finance and sociology located in Qom. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 15 experts using the snowball sampling technique. The interviews continued until theoretical saturation was grasped.
Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using a three-stage coding process based on Strauss and Corbin’s (1998) systematic approach to Grounded Theory, including Open Coding, Axial Coding, and Selective Coding. During this coding process, 50 subcategories and 16 main categories were identified and structured within six analytical dimensions:
Core Phenomenon: Economic consumption from the Islamic perspective and Social capital from the Islamic perspective.
Causal Conditions: Social participation, Trust, Membership in civil institutions, Commitment to societal values, and Membership in social networks.
Contextual Conditions: Government support programs and economic and social conditions.
Intervening Conditions: Environmental and social factors, advertisements and media influence.
Strategies: Creating trust between government institutions and citizens, supporting civil participation, raising awareness and ensuring continuous monitoring.
Outcomes: Improving consumption based on actual needs and supporting domestic production.
Reliability and Validity Measures: To enhance the credibility and reliability of the research findings,
The following validation techniques were applied:
Data triangulation: Member checking (validation by interview participants).
Self-review by the researcher: The duration of each interview ranged between 45 and 65 minutes, and the collected data were systematically analyzed through coding procedures. The findings provide a comprehensive sociological model that explains the relationship between social capital and economic consumption patterns from an Islamic perspective.
Research Findings: The findings of this study indicateed that economic consumption patterns from an Islamic perspective are significantly influenced by social capital. The results showed that key components of social capital, such as social trust, commitment to Islamic values, and civic participation play a direct role in shaping consumption behaviors and supporting domestic production. Interviewees emphasized that consumers are more likely to shift towards purchasing domestic products if they trust the quality and regulatory mechanisms. Additionally, social participation in groups and religious 
networks influences individuals' consumption behaviors, while government policies and regulations can act as either incentives or barriers to consumption pattern changes. The role of media and advertising was also highlighted as a major factor in shaping consumer attitudes, either encouraging consumerism or promoting more balanced consumption habits. The study further demonstrates that increasing social capital and reinforcing Islamic values in society can lead to improved economic consumption patterns and overall economic stability. By enhancing public trust, religious commitment, and community participation, economic policies can be directed toward optimal consumption behaviors and greater support for domestic production, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic development.
Discussion and Conclusion: The results of this study highlighted that enhancing social capital and promoting Islamic values can play a crucial role in improving economic consumption patterns and overall economic conditions. The findings suggested that government policies should focus on establishing quality standards for domestic products and providing support to local producers to increase public trust in domestic goods. Additionally, public media should be utilized to promote Islamic consumption values, encourage balanced consumption, and discourage wastefulness. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and religious institutions can also play a significant role in raising awareness and fostering a culture of responsible consumption. Moreover,  greater regulatory oversight of commercial advertising and product distribution is necessary to prevent excessive and unnecessary consumerism. The study emphasized that if domestic producers improve product quality, public trust in local goods will increase, naturally leading to a shift in consumption patterns toward supporting national production. Overall, the research demonstrates that economic consumption patterns are highly influenced by social capital, and strengthening elements such as public trust, commitment to religious values, and social participation can significantly contribute to optimal consumption behaviors and domestic economic growth. Therefore, economic and cultural policymakers should focus on reinforcing social capital and implementing awareness programs to improve consumption behaviors and promote sustainable economic development.
Conflict of interest: The authors of this manuscript declare their agreement with the statements. The authors also state separately that they have all read the manuscript and have no conflict of interest.
We confirm that neither the manuscript nor any parts of its content are currently under consideration or published in another journal.