Changes In Consumption Patterns of The Iraqi Family in Light of The Repercussions of the COVID-19 Shock

Abstract

The global economy in general and the Iraqi economy in particular has been subjected to a complex shock resulting from the spread of the COVID19 virus, which necessitated taking various measures that had multiple influences on all economic and social aspects. It is reflected on the consumption patterns of the Iraqi family. Therefore, it is important to identify the nature of the changes that the consumption patterns witnessed during the COVID-19 era. Due to the lack of official data on the family budget survey during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study resorted to preparing a special questionnaire to collect data on the family budget and the nature of the distribution of family spending before and after COVID-19 era. The results showed that (72.2%) of the Iraqi families that were exposed to the pandemic had changed their consumption pattern. The study recommended building buffers to enhance the resilience of human development for families, especially poor families, under conditions of the economic shocks.