Comments on: The New Normal?

By: RosaT

RosaT — Sun, 10 May 2009 02:11:41 +0000

I agree that the Pew Research on what America Needs is quite limited to the stereotypical consumptive lifestyle, devoid of anything but material possesions.
Lacking in the survey is taking a look at the value that people are placing on non-material aspects of their lives that offer personal fulfillment. These are gaining importance in the “new normal”. I believe that the economic downturn abounds in opportunities for new creative ways that we can model our personal lives to be more fulfilling, that is not as dependent on financial wealth. Some of these include following our passions, spending more quality time with family and friends, becoming more resilient and re-prioritizing key aspects of our lives, reflecting on and shifting our core values, lifestyles and spending habits, reaching out and helping others, even when our personal financial situation is deteriorating. If these were placed on our personal balance sheets, we could see that even during the recession, many have found ways to compensate for their financial loss through non-fiancial changes in their lifestyles.
Recently, I found it extremely helpful during the economic downturn to create a positive attitude by participating in the “upside to the downturn” community group including a weekly Starting Your Week on the Upside column. It’s a place where folks are sharing insights and stories about how they are creating an upside and improving their lives in spite of the downturn. Check it out: http://www.upsidetothedownturn.com/

By: Michael Wells

Michael Wells — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:19:38 +0000

The number of cell-only households just passed the number of landline-only, although most families have both.

Some of these can be adjusted. Better insulation and construction reduces the need for A/C in most places (so does healthier lifestyle and losing weight). Multiple cars declines with better transit. Some things are taste. I could live without a TV but not a computer.

I’m surprised by the difference between home computer and high-speed internet. To me they seem interdependent.

By: Eric

Eric — Wed, 06 May 2009 21:21:55 +0000

I suspect that the decline of the microwave might be tied to the rise of organic food, farmer’s markets and “foodies”. It hasn’t been replaced, but it was probably the least necessary thing on the list to begin with – useful if you want a nutrient deficient pre-cooked meal that tastes like plastic in under two minutes, but not good for much else.

I suspect you’d get drastically different answers about the necessity of air conditioning if you ask the question in January vs. July.

Cable TV and landlines probably change big time with age. I’d love to see an >30 and <30 break down of the data.

On the car question, I think far more revealing would be a question about *multiple* cars. I have a strong suspicion that two and three car households are declining.

By: CR

CR — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:32:43 +0000

Could the decline in appliances also be partly due to homemakers/homeowners becoming more energy conscious? I like living in my home, but I will air dry clothes and wash dishes by hand.

By: Buzzcut

Buzzcut — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:41:38 +0000

OK, I’m a broken record (remember those?)…

in the shift away from big cars and big houses, away from conspicuous consumption and toward not just organic and energy-efficient, green products, but from material goods to experiences, health, and personal development.

SWPL.

Actually, what’s kind of interesting to me is that SWPLs think that they’re being anti-materialist and even anti-capitalist when they make these choices, but is there any doubt that it will be capitalists that provide the “experiences, health, and personal development.”?

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:06:40 +0000

I think it’s important to remember that this survey did not ask people to rank these items in terms of importance; it simply asked a yes/no question for each item. I might consider my iPod more necessary for life than my car, but I’m not asked to make that distinction, just to answer “yes” for both items.

By: Fred

Fred — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:15:33 +0000

Pew needs to refine the question on cars to track the possibility of more subtle changes. i.e. How many people “need” multiple cars vs. one car. Does it have to be a new SUV or will a smaller, perhaps used car do? The drop in car sales indicates the size & make-up of the car fleet may be changing.

I live 2 miles from the downtown of a large city with good bus system connections and next to a major university but I still “need” a car to avoid wasting a lot of time. Our 2 person household averages 6000 miles a year which I believe is half the national average.

By: Rockfish

Rockfish — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:41:32 +0000

“The results show the fragility of the old suburban, fordist, “keeping up with the Jones’” lifestyle. Looks to me though that the old order has declined..”
Not sure how you draw this conclusion. The elephant in the room is CARS. Statistically unchanged from ‘06 to ‘09, and the only thing on this list that directly correlates to where and how people choose to live.
Everything else is just a appliance or toy within a home, and has no bearing or influence on how large that home is or whether that home is urban or suburban, but the overwhelming and unabated worship of the car does.