From Disruption to Recovery: A Socio-Economic Analysis of Household Consumption in Maharashtra Pre- and Post-Pandemic
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study analyzes the impact of socio-economic factors, including Adjusted Total Income, Gender, Household Size, Education, and Occupation, on household consumption expenditure in Maharashtra, with a focus on food, health, and non-food items (recreation, restaurants, and vacations). Using data from the Consumer Pyramid Household Survey (CPHS) for March 2019, 2020, and 2021, we examine expenditure patterns in both rural and urban households, comparing pre- and post-COVID-19 periods.
Multiple regression analysis reveals that Adjusted Total Income and Household Size consistently influence food expenditure across all three years, while the significance of Education and Occupation fluctuated, particularly during the pandemic. The results highlight that Education and Occupation became more significant predictors of food expenditure in 2021, reflecting the broader economic adjustments households made during the pandemic. Gender, on the other hand, did not significantly affect food expenditure.
The findings show that the pandemic shifted consumption behaviors, with a greater focus on essential goods like food and health, especially in urban areas. These results offer insights into long-term changes in household expenditure patterns in Maharashtra and suggest potential policy interventions, including income support, employment stability, and education-focused strategies, to mitigate the impact of future economic disruptions.