Since 1985, we have been seeing this trend of people wanting to live beyond their means and then getting frustrated when they were unable to do so. The sudden opening up of an insulated economy definitely has a link to the suicide rate. People are not prepared for it. The NSS survey concentrates mainly on indicators of living standards like food, fuel, clothing, rent and durable goods. It is, therefore, considered a major indication of the levels of consumerism in our society.
Similar statistics exist for the rural sector, too.
Major expenditure on non-food items by both the population groups includes clothing, tobacco, intoxicants and consumer durables. And this increase in non-food expenditure is being viewed as an indication of growing consumerism. However, Vinod Vyasulu, consulting economists and former director of Institute of Public Enterprise, dismisses negative sentiments surrounding liberalisation and its effect on society as bugaboo. Liberalisation may increase consumerism. It definitely brings about some changes.