Pattern of consumption in household living arrangements in Brazil in 2008/2009

Abstract

The goal of this article was to analyze the pattern of consumption in different household living arrangements in Brazil using data from the 2008-2009 Brazilian Family Budget Survey (POF). We estimated Engel Curves taking into account the type of household living arrangement, among other demographic variables. Results indicated the existence of differences in the patterns of consumption of families associated to the gender of the person in charge of the household, especially in “single parent type with children” and “one person households” living arrangements. These differences are most evident in expenditure on Housing, Health and Education-recreation, in which the monthly per capita expenditure is much lower for single fathers and men living alone relative to single mothers and women living alone. In addition, we verified that family composition (presence of children, seniors) and their size affect household consumption decisions, in which the existence of children increases per capita expenditures on Housing and Health and the presence of seniors leads to an expansion of Health spending. With regard to family size, there are indications that families can benefit from economies of scale and joint consumption gains relative to Housing, Food and Transportation.

Key words
Types of families; Expenses; Engel Curves; POF 2008-2009