도시가구의 연령별 쌀 소비지출액 추정과 시사점

Abstract

Per capita rice consumption has been decreasing since the early 1980s. This study focuses not only on decreasing trends in rice consumption expenditure but also on differences in consumption among various age groups. With implementation of the model developed by Mori and Inaba (2001), rice consumption by different age groups was estimated. Based on these estimates, those who were born after the 1970s show a drastic reduction in rice consumption expenditure. On the other hand, those born before the 1970s are stick to traditional eating habits and still consume significant amount of rice. These differences between generations are due to the rapid growth in the Korean economy since the 1970s. The aging of the population will slow down the decrease in rice consumption in the short run. Young generations who were born after the 1970s will be in a small portion of the population because of low birth rate. Owing to the aging of the population, older people who prefer rice will account for more and more of the population for a while. In the long run, there might be an abrupt change in the demand for rice when those who consume rice more has passed away. Study of rice consumption by age does not have some of the inherent disadvantages that analysis of average consumption patterns yields. In addition, it may have further implications for the study of rice policy in the future.