Consumer behavior in different areas

Some facets of the evolution of consumer food shopping behavior are examined by a comparison of revealed preference studies in regions of differing economic development: Aguascalientes, Mexico (1968); Iowa (1934); Iowa (1960); and Michigan (1966-1968). The majority of rural Mexicans obey the Christallerian nearest neighbor axiom, but a few patronize the capital and regional centers regardless of distance. This behavioral variance is a function of household income. Comparison of the four study areas reveals that food shopping behavior may be universally subject to a dual assignment rule: households within a limited range of an opportunity exhibit a high probability of patronizing the closest place, whereas households at some distance from the nearest opportunity prefer shopping in larger places at greater distances. The absolute range within which the Christallerian axiom is applicable increases considerably (from two to thirteen miles) with level of economic development.