Structural Change in the Impact of Income on Food Consumption in China, 1989–1993

Presents evidence that points to a shift in the relationship between income and diet at the macro level: discusses the broad trends in Asia and elsewhere. Presents a longitudinal study of 3800 households in China for data collection in 1989, 1991, and 1993. Shows that in China the increase in income over time coincided with a shift in the demand for a range of inferior and normal food groups. The results suggest that researchers using standard income elasticities will fail to predict accurately changes in consumption over time in developing countries. What is needed is an understanding of how preferences develop and change during the course of modernization. (Original abstract - amended)