The two pie charts illustrate the modification of expenditure habits of people in the UK from 1971 to 2001.
Overall, this shows a drastic change in consumer spending over the period, with a reduced focus on food, and rather a focus on cars, furniture and especially computers, which became a key expense by 2001.
In 1971, the proportion of expenditure on food was dominant in this period, becoming 44%, followed by cars at 22%. Restaurants accounted for 14%, while petrol and books represented 6% and 10% respectively. Also, computers and furniture were the lowest among others, with computers at just 2%.
By 2001, the percentages had changed dramatically. Cars became the biggest expense, rising sharply to 43%. Spending in restaurants also increased significantly, standing at 14%. Moreover, computers showed notable growth in the period, reaching 12%. In contrast, expenditure on food nosedived to 14%. Also, furniture and petrol declined to 1% and 8%.
