Consumption Patterns of Women Graduates in Perak Tengah

Abstract

This research was undertaken to look at the spending patterns of women graduates who are residing in Perak Tengah. It has also focused on women graduates in the government sectors and took into consideration the similarities and differences of consumption patterns among single and married women. This study was completed in the year 2011 and it revealed similarities between the spending patterns of women graduates in Perak Tengah to the patterns at international level, as determined by the Household Expenditure Surveys conducted in Australia and New Zealand in the year 2010. The focus on spending still involves basic needs such as food, shelter and transportation. In addition, when deciding to purchase a household item, the respondents are often influenced by their family members as well as by the quality and price of the product. Although there were differences in the spending patterns between single and married women, both groups have their own purchasing power. Therefore, entrepreneurs should see this as an opportunity to set up new businesses or expand an existing business by collaborating with the state government to accelerate the growth of Perak Tengah. They should have a reciprocal relationship to ensure the economic and social development of the area. Further research is also recommended to determine the spending patterns of both men and women in Perak Tengah. Such an elaborate  research will demonstrate more conclusive spending patterns. In addition, other researches can also be done on students’ spending patterns in specific places such as Bandar Seri Iskandar, Bandar Universiti and Bota.