Marcus Alexis
Published: 1980
Total Pages: 112
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Abstract: The interactions of race and income with food expenditures in the inner city are discussed from sociological and economic points of view, and parallels are drawn between urban and prison economics, namely, lack of mobility and use of barter. Aspects of black community life and culture are discussed as a basis for understanding social and market behavior. Based on survey data from many sources (market researchers, sociologists, FTC, BLS, etc.), analyses of nonfood expenditures cover items such as savings, housing, medical care and transportation; analyses of food expenditures consider consumption patterns, prices, quantities, and quality, nonprice factors and consumer constraints. The determinants of food buying behavior which contribute to profiles of inner city consumers include food preferences, marital status, food budget, income, education, store location, nonwhite store employees, etc. The conclusions are that race and the low socioeconomic status related to race significantly affect food purchasing behavior, and that inner city residents pay higher prices if they shop in smaller stores.