Upward mobility and Consumption Pattern: An Analysis from Central and Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

During the past couple of decades the rapid changes in socio economic structure of Punjab, Pakistan have been observed. The present study is an attempt to analyze the impact of socio economic mobility on the changes in consumption pattern of households in Central and Southern Punjab, Pakistan using primary data. In the first part, the study identifies the socio economic factors which are responsible for upward mobility while, the second part deals with the impact of upward mobility on the changes in consumption pattern of households. The results of logistic model reveal that income and occupation progression have emerged important factors which cause changes in consumption pattern of households from basic goods to cultural goods. However, the impact of education on the changes in consumption pattern has come up low as compared to occupation progression and income. The study concludes that the role of government is highly important in shaping the consumption behavior of mobile households through providing appropriate incentives regarding higher education and occupation progression.