INFLUENCE OF INCOME AND SAVINGS ON PURCHASING BEHAVIOUR OF WORKING CLASS WOMEN IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1         Background to the Study

Women‟s income is always considered as a supplementary income within the family. Many studies suggested that women‟s earnings mainly go to the general expenditure for the wellbeing of the family, such as food, fuel, and health care, among others other than for their personal needs. One‟s income determines how much one can afford to allocate to different needs and wants. All humans need a place to live, clothing and a balanced food for healthy growth and vitality. Economists refer to these as basic needs, which tend to get first priority. A person‟s income is limited, whether it comes from traditional employment, self-employment or a combination of these; even if one is a billionaire. Of course, someone who has a lower income will tend to spend a higher percentage of salary on basic needs. Households with higher incomes can afford to allocate more of their incomes, to discretionary purchases, such as vacations, cars, second homes, expensive clothing, choice schools for children, and many more.

According to Idyorough, (2005), gender discrimination is socially construed, that is, positive or negative disposition towards women is perpetuated and maintained in the family, peer groups and religious centers. He stated that women in the last decades have made significant progress in obtaining responsible positions in various organizations, this paradigm shift is as a result of laws governing equal opportunities and equal pay, fair employment practices, changing societal attitudes towards women in the work place, and organizations, desire to place qualified women in managerial positions to project a favorable image.

Women in the workforce earning wages or salaries are part of a modern phenomenon, yet the women have been challenged by inequality in the workforce. Not until now women have

been marginalized by cultural practices, combined with the longstanding religious beliefs that restricted women’s entry and participation in the workforce.

INFLUENCE OF INCOME AND SAVINGS ON PURCHASING BEHAVIOUR OF WORKING CLASS WOMEN IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA