Consumption as a social integration strategy in times of crisis: The case of vulnerable households

Abstract

In this article, we focus on consumption in a context of economic hardship. From an empirical perspective, and using a qualitative methodology, we show how disadvantaged individuals and households maintain a level of consumption commensurate with the society in which they are integrated through a type of consumption conceived of here as “resilient”. Resilient consumption is characterized by being a type of expenditure oriented towards maintaining the role of consumer, that is, maintaining a minimum level of purchasing power, modifying to this end both the level and the structure of consumption, both of which are key elements in the resilience process. We identify five main strategies used by households that modify and restructure the consumption of basic goods and necessities in response to economic hardship. Key resilient consumption strategies include: reduction (cutting down on spending), substitution (replacement of one difficulty with another), compensation (pseudo‐consumption or reduced usage), transference (meta‐resilience) and integration (reinterpretation of difficulties as opportunities). We conclude that although consumption is a naturally resilient behaviour, in a crisis context, resilient practices focus on maintaining acquisition capacity in spite of reduced income.

Crisis‐induced behavior: From fear and frugality to the familiar

“…Data were collected from one region in the United States. Using one national context, such as the United States, is consistent with recent consumer research intent on understanding the behavior of a group experiencing phenomenon together (Casabayó et al., 2020), in novel contexts (Lee & Ko, 2021; Vredeveld, 2021), and, concerning behavioral responses to a global crisis, where consumers reside (Arnal Sarasa et al, 2020; Chiang & Xiao, 2017; Choi et al., 2020). Using one region to collect data allowed for analysis of consumer data in which all consumers would be having similar experiences and face similar constraints.…”

Consumer confidence and conspicuous consumption: A conservation of resources perspective

“…Hence, financial insecurity increases consumers' attention to money; consumers prioritise the more efficient use of money and become less susceptible to marketing "tricks" (Hamilton et al, 2019, p. 290). Illustratively, during economic crises, reduced financial well-being enhances price consciousness, whereby consumers focus exclusively on price when making decisions (Hampson & McGoldrick, 2017), manifest in increased purchases of private label brands (Dubé et al, 2018) and patronage of discount stores (Sarasa et al, 2020). Consistent with this logic, because conspicuous purchases are discretionary and tend to relate to relatively expensive products and services (Braun & Wicklund, 1989), they are subject to curtailment from financially constrained and increasingly price-conscious consumers.…”

Travelers’ Coping Strategies in the Backdrop of Revenge Tourism

“…While coping strategies may differ greatly, they exhibit some similarities in that they offer individuals a route to cope with threats (Ulqinaku et al, 2020). Many different coping strategies in the context of tourism found in the literature include the following: expressing cautious optimism and having a realistic lifestyle (C.-D. ; problemfocused, emotion-focused, and mixed coping strategies (Jordan & Prayag, 2022); engagement in pilgrimage (Lin & Hsieh, 2022); practicing positivity or "trying to look at the bright side" and having hope (Ekici & Watson, 2022); problem-focused, self-supported, social-supported, and disengagement strategies (D. Zheng et al, 2021); technology-mediated consumption, including internet shopping and related fatigue (Cui et al, 2009); reduction, substitution, compensation, and integration strategies (Sarasa et al, 2020); engaging in growth response, mentally distancing, forgoing, emotional labor, and choosing a less efficient option in the context of technology consumption by the poor (Bhattacharyya & Belk, 2019); engaging in compensatory consumption (Mandel et al, 2017); reinforcing social connections (Wildschut et al, 2006); role playing, using analogies, caving, lowering expectations, and reciprocation in the context of shopping (Trocchia, 2004); and avoidance of confrontation in the context of technology products (Mick & Fournier, 1998). Deciding which coping strategies to use depends on the resources and skills of the individuals (Yap et al, 2021).…”