The pie charts compare the percentage of total expenditure on different commodities and services in a particular European country between 1958 and 2008.
Overall, it is clear from the data that while food accounted for the largest share of spending in 1958, housing dominated people’s expenses in 2008. Furthermore, there were significant inceases in expenditure on housing, luxury goods and transport/travel, whereas entertainment, food, and clothing experienced notable declines.
In 1958, food was the dominant category, making up nearly one-third (32%) of the total spending, followed by housing at 22%. Clothing also represented a considerable portion at 18%, while smaller proportions were allocated to travel and transport (8%), entertainment (13%), and luxury goods (7%).
By 2008, the spending pattern had changed dramatically. Having increased to 32%, housing became the largest category. Similarly, the share of expenditure on travel/transport and luxury goods both rose remarkably, reaching 17% each. On the contrary, entertainment experienced a slight fall to 6%, while clothing dropped marginally to 16%. The most dramatic change was seen in expenditure on food, which fell to 12%, less than half of its 1958 level.
In conclusion, the data highlights a clear shift in spending habits over a fifty-year period, with people in 2008 prioritizing housing, transport/travel, and luxury items, while allocating far less to food and clothing compared with 1958.