Some Regional Variations in Levels and Standards of Living.

Three graphic methods (simple curve, bar chart, and scatter diagram) were used to analyze and compare levels and standards of living of farm, rural-non- farm and urban families. Illustrative data were taken from Consumer Purchases Study publications. The expenditure categories represented were: household help, dentist's services, kitchen sink with drain, reading material, and religious organizations. The scatter diagram was found to show most clearly and simply the cultural roles played (i.e., necessity, luxury, rarity, and substitute) by various items. It was thought the procedures presented should be particularly useful in analyzing and comparing the value systems held by various population categories, such as rural and urban, regional, race, and tenure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]