Recently, a topic titled 'Why is consumption not rising?' has sparked widespread discussion online. On the surface, it appears to be weak demand, but a deeper look reveals that the real issue is not simply a 'reluctance to consume,' but a more profound structural problem.
1. The reality behind the data: Who is consuming, and who is observing?
According to incomplete statistics, the top 20% of households in our country account for about 50% of disposable income, yet their consumption tendency is significantly lower than that of middle and low-income groups. This creates a thought-provoking phenomenon: the consumption of high-income groups has reached a saturation point—they will not buy more daily necessities, home appliances, or basic services simply because their income has increased.
At the same time, the middle and lower-income groups, accounting for 80% of the population, have a strong willingness to consume but are limited by purchasing power. When the growth rate of most people's wallets does not keep up with the demand for consumption upgrades, the market presents a peculiar phenomenon of coexistence of 'oversupply' and 'insufficient demand'.
2. From 'price tags' to 'social tags': The hidden barriers behind consumption
Today, consumption is not only about meeting basic needs but also about expressing social identity. However, when the prices of 'necessities' such as education, healthcare, and housing remain high, ordinary families are forced to compress their consumption choices. They face not only product prices but also a series of hidden social barriers.
A white-collar worker in Shanghai said: “It's not that I don't want to spend, but my salary increase can't keep up with the pressure of housing in school districts, tutoring classes, and pensions. Every time I want to 'upgrade' my life, there's always a larger bill waiting.”
3. Tax adjustment: A silent experiment in wealth redistribution
In recent years, tax authorities have notably strengthened tax supervision over high-income groups, internet celebrities, and platform economies. This is not accidental but an attempt to use fiscal means to adjust the long-term strategy of income distribution. Although facing resistance, the direction has gradually become clear.
4. The way out: From 'pyramid' to 'olive-shaped'
To activate consumption, short-term stimulus effects are limited; the key lies in optimizing the income distribution structure:
· Initial distribution reform: Increase the proportion of labor remuneration in national income, allowing ordinary workers to share more development dividends
· Strengthening social security: Improving public services such as healthcare, education, and pensions, reducing precautionary savings
· Tax system optimization: Balance efficiency and fairness, making wealth flow more rationally
5. The future is here: The new logic of consumer society
When economic development enters a new stage, the logic of consumption is also being restructured. A healthy consumer market is not supported by the luxury consumption of a few but maintained by the stable purchasing power of the majority.
Real consumption recovery requires more people to move from 'wanting to consume' to 'being able to consume'. This is not only an economic issue but also a deep-level proposition concerning social equity and sustainable development.
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