The use of the national identity cards dates back to the First World War when they were used as statutory registration schemes. In fact, the colonial British government used identity card system to identify and control people in their colonies (Arora, 2008, p. 136). Since then, the national identity cards have been used in more than thousand countries around the globe for different reasons. In developing countries, for instance, the national identity cards are commonly used by police to control borders and identify criminals. Most scholars such as Radwanski (2003) and Woodward (2010) stressed on the benefits brought about by Identity cards.
Woodward (2010) perceived national identity cards to be essential in facilitating financial inclusion and prevention of crimes (p. 34). Although the diverse development in Information technology brings with it transformation changes of many kinds, there is the need to evaluate the implication of such systems. The proposed research study will seek to assess the loopholes that exist in the system for registered citizens in developing countries, particularly, in relation to financial infusion, insecurity, and terrorism, with a view of categorizing them according to the extent at which they affect the implementation of national cards and the amount of resources required to curb the menace. Consequently, the study will determine the appropriate methodology for issuing reliable and timely documents to applicants while still maintaining the authenticity of the submitted forms.
Significance of the research
The national electronic card is aimed at provision of inclusive citizenship, more effective governance and it is also a measure towards a cashless economy. These measures stimulate the economic growth and ease the process of doing business for all citizens. Advocates for Identity card argue (Aportela, 2009) that the combination of the national identity card with the prepaid MasterCard is a game changer in the financial inclusion in developing countries as it acts as a move towards the elimination of the financial barriers to the economy. Although the national identity card serves as a marker of a membership of a given nation, it has its pros and cons.
Bowe (2002) argues that national cards could serve as a basis for social exclusion if not all the nationals are given the chance to possess the cards (p. 193). Besides, identity card has been associated with identity theft, privacy issues, discrimination, and common theft. Advocates for Identity cards insist that a well-designed national identity card system would prevent these negative impacts to crime prevention and financial inclusion.
The proposed research study has hypothesized that identity management system in developing countries should be correlated with economic exclusion and social marginalization. The study is aimed at conclusively determining the challenges faced in the implementation of an effective identity system and the optimal course of action to enhance financial inclusion and prevention of crime.
Research methodology
The study will focus on international students from developed countries pursuing courses related to criminology and security issues at the university. The study will adopt a qualitative research approach so as to suit the nature of this research study (Creswell, 2003).
The study will incorporate case study approach since the tradition of case study method has been used in various similar settings, especially in learning institutions. Therefore, it will be a suitable approach to dealing with learners at the University. Online questionnaires would be administered to more than 150 university students. The study will comprise of a series of open-ended questions related to challenges faced in the implementation of an effective identity system and the optimal course of action to enhance financial inclusion and prevention of crime. Interviews will be carried out on 30 students within the sample to respond to specific questions so as to support the quantitative data with a bit more understanding into students’ opinions.
Several steps will be followed to ensure that the creditability and the privacy of the participants is protected in the study. First, an email containing interview questions as well as a written consent will be sent to the student to enable them to review their response before the interview. Secondly, informed consent will be designed to ensure that the respondents are protected. This involves acquiring permission from the university administration before beginning any process of data collection (Creswell, 2003). Identified participants will be invited in written and informed evaluation of the objectives and goals of the study. Furthermore, they will be informed of data collection and storage methods of the study.
Limitations
The proposed study will not be expected to go well as planned as some university students will not be granted interviews due to the language barrier among some international students. The researcher will also be able to relate well because the topic is practical in nature as the behavioral aspect is glaring. Since it is the first time to conduct the interview, the initial attempt is expected to be poor, although subsequent interviews are expected to have significant improvements.
References
Aportela, F. (2009). Effects of financial access on savings by low-income people. Bancode Mexico: Mimeo. Print
Arora, S. (2008). National e-ID card schemes: A European overview. Information Security Technical Report. 13(1), 146-153. Web.
Bowe, R. (2012). Biometric ID systems grew internationally and so did concerns about Privacy’ Electronic Frontier Foundation. Web.
Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods Approaches. (2nd Ed). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publishing. Web.
Creswell, J. W. (2009). Qualitative inquiry and research design: choosing among five traditions. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Web.
Radwanski, G. (2003). Statement before the House of Commons Standing Committee on citizenship and immigration regarding a national identity card. Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Ottawa. Web.
Woodward, J. (2010). Biometrics: identity assurance in the information age. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publishing. Web.