A Study on the Propensity of Conspicuous Consumption and the Development for Consumer Education Programs for Middle School Students

중학생의 과시소비성향과 소비자교육 프로그램 개발에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study is to analyze the conspicuous consumption propensity of middle schoolers and to develop effective consumer education programs which help improve consumer socialization. Empirical data were collected by using a questionnaire for 500 middle schoolers who reside in the city of Daegu. The results of this study are as follows: First, significant differences in materialistic propensity can be found. It results from the difference in parents' educational background, amount of monthly pocket money, influence of mass media and friends, and the consumer education hosted by schools. Second, significant differences in the conspicuous consumption propensity can be found. It comes from the difference in materialistic propensity and control of purchasing behaviors. Third, the variables affecting the middle schoolers' propensity of conspicuous consumption include influence of mass media and friends, control of purchasing behaviors, influence of materialistic propensity, amount of monthly pocket money, and mother's educational background. Lastly, this study helps develop consumer education programs for the teenagers. The program should use statistics data, Internet, presentation materials, putting higher priority on experience activities, survey, analysis, discussion, and presentation rather than theoretical education.