During Ramadan, many people’s consumer habits change noticeably. Many head to the stores to buy food and drinks for their Ramadan tables, and commercial markets become crowded with people buying groceries, vegetables, fruits, and other products.
However, a question many might ask is: Is this shopping a true necessity or just a desire for fasting individuals to indulge in?
In this regard, psychological counselor Dr. Razan Al-Hujairi, speaking to BBC, says: “Although this month is special, some individuals engage in behaviors that harm their health, such as overeating, and others that harm their finances, like excessive shopping, which leads to accumulating debts.” She clarifies that “consumer habits during Ramadan have become more of a desire than a true need. The habit of showing off, wanting to impress, and competing to prepare large meals among family and friends has become a way to gain approval. Therefore, through the principle of reinforcement and reward, any behavior that is reinforced is likely to be repeated, even if it has negative consequences like increased costs, extravagance, and waste.”
Dr. Al-Hujairi adds that “It has been noticed that many people’s consumer habits change during Ramadan, with consumption increasing several times compared to regular days. One of the main reasons for this is the feeling of hunger that fasting individuals experience, which drives them to consume more, thinking they will eat a lot.”
Source : http://bbc
