Research on the development of the Chinese market economy and changes in consumer attitudes based on survey results

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This research is on the changes in the society and economy in light of the process of development of the market economy in China. The survey examined the differences between consumers of different income levels and between cities of different sizes and economic levels. The survey consisted of two parts : first, a large number of participants were asked to fill out a form with multiple choice responses. In addition different participants were interviewed and asked about their personal views and attitudes. A total of 1800 responses were collected, consisting of 300 each from the large cities Beijing, Shanghai, Chongching, and Guangzhou and 200 each from the middle sized cities of Shenyang, Shijiazhuang, Wuhan. The survey participants were selected at random based on city resident maps and the response rate was above 99% showing that the results reflect an accurate picture of consumer attitudes across a broad spectrum of society.Survey results from the 1990s and new surveys conducted in 2004 were also compared to examine the dynamics of the market economy changes. Differences in consumer attitudes were analyzed for correlations with respect to income levels, residence locations, and other demographic factors.It was found that although, the gap between the rich and the poor in China is increasing, at the same time, the middle class is developing and bringing with it the expected changes in consumer attitudes and behavior. More people are now able to devote resources and disposable income to interests, services, luxuries, and leisure activities than in the past where most of the Chinese people's incomes were spent on daily necessities.