The Modern College Student: A Deep Dive into Spending Habits and Waste Culture

Jun 4
04:58

2024

LIE PLIAN

LIE PLIAN

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In today's world, college students are increasingly engaging in wasteful practices, discarding gently used items like shoes and bags as if they were trash. This behavior has created an unexpected source of income for scavengers, who can earn up to 4,000 RMB per month by collecting and reselling these discarded items. This article explores the spending habits and waste culture among modern college students, backed by data and expert opinions.

Summary

Modern college students are often criticized for their wasteful habits,The Modern College Student: A Deep Dive into Spending Habits and Waste Culture Articles discarding usable items and spending extravagantly. This behavior has created a lucrative opportunity for scavengers, who can earn up to 4,000 RMB monthly by collecting and reselling these items. This article delves into the spending patterns of college students, the economic impact of their wastefulness, and expert opinions on how to cultivate a sense of thrift among the youth.

Wasteful Habits Among College Students

The Scavenger's Perspective

Scavengers around college campuses have found a profitable niche by collecting discarded items. According to Mr. Qiu Shenggui, a scavenger who has been working around Chongqing University for three years, he earns more than 4,000 RMB each month by picking up and reselling items from various universities in Shapingba County. He sorts through the garbage, cleans usable items, and sells them at flea markets, generating a substantial income.

Student Attitudes Toward Waste

When interviewed, many students expressed a nonchalant attitude towards discarding items they no longer find fashionable or useful. A student from Sichuan International Studies University mentioned, "It's too troublesome to deal with these useless things, so I just throw them away." This sentiment was echoed by students from eight other universities, who preferred to discard items rather than let them occupy space.

Spending Habits: A Gendered Perspective

Male Students

Among the 40 students interviewed, 15 were boys. On average, male students spend over 2,000 RMB per month. Their expenses are typically distributed as follows:

  • School Meal Card: 500 RMB
  • Telephone Charges: 200 RMB
  • Clothing: 600 RMB
  • Dining and Entertainment: 700 RMB

In addition, special occasions like feasts or a girlfriend's birthday can add another 500 RMB to their monthly expenses.

Female Students

The 25 female students interviewed reported monthly expenses ranging from 1,800 to 2,200 RMB. Their spending is primarily focused on:

  • Clothing and Cosmetics: 50% of their budget
  • School Meal Card: 400 RMB
  • Pocket Money for Cosmetics and Skincare: 600 RMB

When their funds run low, they often turn to their boyfriends for financial support.

The Role of Parents and Education

Parental Awareness and Response

Many parents are aware of their children's extravagant spending but feel powerless to intervene. As the only child in the family, these students are often pampered by their parents and grandparents, who may sacrifice their own needs to support their children's lifestyle.

Expert Opinions

Zhang Zhongming, an education professor at Southwest University, notes that the sense of thrift among college students is weakening. He suggests that parents should encourage their children to participate in social practices to understand the value of money. Additionally, he recommends that parents provide only basic living expenses to discourage unnecessary spending.

Conclusion

The wasteful habits and extravagant spending of modern college students are concerning trends that have broader economic and social implications. While scavengers benefit financially from this behavior, it highlights a deeper issue of financial irresponsibility and lack of thrift among the youth. Addressing this issue requires a combined effort from parents, educators, and the students themselves to foster a more responsible and sustainable approach to spending.

Interesting Stats

  • Scavenger Income: Scavengers can earn up to 4,000 RMB per month by collecting and reselling discarded items from college campuses. [Source: Local Interviews]
  • Student Spending: Male students spend over 2,000 RMB monthly, with significant portions allocated to dining, entertainment, and clothing. [Source: Survey Data]
  • Female Student Budget: Female students spend between 1,800 to 2,200 RMB monthly, with half of their budget going towards clothing and cosmetics. [Source: Survey Data]

For more insights into student spending habits, you can refer to China Daily and The New York Times.

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