"This is why, for the first time, we're charting the development of household material wealth," Schilpzand notes. The economists term this progression the 'domestic transition'. Their findings were published in the Journal of International Development.
In affluent nations today, daily life without refrigerators, televisions, or washing machines seems almost unimaginable. Yet before 1960, few homes had these appliances. By the mid-1970s, however, such items were common in nearly every household. This evolution from minimal ownership to near-universal possession is what the researchers describe as the 'domestic transition'. Their study outlines how this trend unfolds in developing countries and identifies the factors influencing the pace of this transition.
Improving daily living standards
In wealthier countries, household appliances symbolize the fundamental conditions for a decent living standard. "Almost every household that can afford these items ends up purchasing them," Smits states.
"It's not surprising given that behind the picturesque scenes of market vendors or women washing clothes in rivers lies a significant burden of time and effort, primarily borne by housewives." Schilpzand agrees, adding, "Owning appliances like refrigerators or washing machines reduces this workload and allows time to be used more productively. Thus, the domestic transition is key to enhancing the role of women worldwide."
Stages and pace of progress
While developed nations completed the domestic transition decades ago, many developing areas are only just beginning or are in the midst of this process. The researchers aimed to determine if emerging nations mirror the trajectory seen in Western countries during their period of mass adoption: a slow initial phase, followed by rapid uptake, and then stabilization. To explore this, they assessed the ownership of televisions and refrigerators across 1,342 regions in 88 low- and middle-income countries.
The findings showed that the domestic transition in these regions follows a pattern similar to that in the West. However, significant differences were noted between and within countries regarding how far along they were and the speed of their progress.
"In places like China and Mexico, the transition is largely complete, while in rural Sub-Saharan Africa, it's barely begun, as basic needs such as food and shelter must first be addressed before household appliances can be prioritized," Smits explains.
Influencing factors
Data indicates that the transition advances sooner and more quickly in urban areas. Regions with stronger economic growth and higher education levels see faster progress. Additionally, a balanced ratio of working-age individuals to dependents also accelerates this development.
"Our study has provided valuable insights into the living conditions of households in developing countries, what is necessary to achieve a reasonable standard of living, and how rapidly this can be accomplished," Schilpzand concludes.
Research Report:The Domestic Transition: Progress Towards Decent Living of Households in Low and Middle-Income Countries
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