A estrutura de consumo das famílias metropolitanas em São Paulo e Recife: evidências e implicações

Abstract

This text examines changes in consumption patterns by metropolitan families in Sao Paulo and Recife between 1974/75 and 1987/88. Data according to groups of products and refering to all families and to poor families show general tendencies affecting all, independently of income level - as the reduced share of food expenditures-, as well as local characteristics, problably related to differences in the stage of development. Findings may be helpful to guide social policies, particularly those aimed at fighting poverty.