A Study On Evolution Of Consumption Structure Of Chinese Urban Residents In Transition Age

From the reforming and opening in 1978,with the transition of institution from planning to market, consumption structure of Chinese urban residents has changed a lot. In general, from the consumption structure type of hungry to having adequate food and clothing to comparatively well-off. Consumption structure of Chinese urban residents has come to an optimization and upgrade; Consumption quantity and structure have a close relationship with industry structure, as well as with economic development. Hence guiding residents consumption is meaningful to upgrade of consumption and industry structure. The article first give out a conclusion that consumption structure of Chinese urban residents is on the stage of comparatively well-off ; Making use of Extended Linear Expenditure System(ELES)and utilizing time series analysis,cross data analysis,angle index analysis and elasticity analysis,we find the following characters in consumption structure of Chinese urban residents in transition age: the generally comparatively low consumption level,evolving to optimization in general consumption structure,paying more attention to material consumption but less attention to culture consumption and service consumption,crosswise duality,consumption identically(synchronously).In order to study the factors affecting the evolution of consumption structure of Chinese urban residents in transition age,we use the statistical data of 1978—2003 in experiential study and find : disposable income level,price index ,interest rate, industrial structure changing,import and wealth such variables can on the whole explain the evolution of consumption structure of Chinese urban residents in transition age .Within these variables,disposable income level,price index,interest rate,industrial structure changing can have a remarkable effect on consumption structure of Chinese urban residents.But to variables such as import and wealth,we can not draw the same conclusion. Finally we give out some policy suggestion such as increasing residents income,guiding residents consumption,modulating industry structure.