한국 중산층 가계의 소비양식 변화: 1990-2016 통계청 가계동향조사 분석

Abstract

The middle class's consumption patterns can help identify household social and economic needs and consumption values. In this study, the National Household Income and Expenditure Surveys from 1990 to 2016 were used to identify the middle class's yearly consumption ratio of expenditure items. Consumption during the studied period was analyzed with change-point analysis, and the results are described below. First, while the overall consumption expenditure of middle-class households in Korea has been continuously increasing since 1990, their average consumption tendency decreased from 1990 until the International Monetary Fund(IMF) financial crisis and then recovered rapidly. Second, expenses for apparel and household goods and services decreased between 1990 and 2016, and educational expenses were relatively low during this period due to low birth rates and a decrease in the average number of household members. Consumption expenditures on transportation, telecommunications, and healthcare, however, increased. Third, to identify different periods of middle-class household consumption in Korea between 1990 and 2016, change-point analysis was conducted, revealing consumption expenditure changes at three points: 1994, 2000, and 2011. Fourth, The material consumption of the first period (1990-1993) reflects a modern consumer society due to its high proportion of expenditures for apparel, household goods and services, and entertainment and cultural activities. During the second period (1994-1999), transportation and communication expenses gradually increased, and in the third period (2000-2010), communication expenses increased due to widespread use of the internet and the expansion of mobile communication devices and services. In the fourth period (2011-2016), the shares of residential water and healthcare expenses were higher than those of other periods, indicating a clear change in the consumption characteristics of the Korean middle class. The Korean middle-class consumption pattern changes suggested by this study can be used for future social welfare policy and consumption trend research.