Comparing the Perceptions Between Upper-Middle Class and Lower-Middle Class Senior High School Students on the Recommended Food Expenditure by NEDA

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Arjay R. Vergara, Adamson UniversityFollow
Aaron Josh R. Calvario, Adamson UniversityFollow
Kristoffer Y. Chua, Adamson UniversityFollow
Noreen Chastity D. Escala, Adamson UniversityFollow
Kenji Nicholas M. Manalo, Adamson UniversityFollow
Peter F. Nadera, Adamson UniversityFollow
Hyacinth M. Delos Santos, Adamson UniversityFollow
Clowie Maria P. Gallego, Adamson UniversityFollow
Mary Seaniah R. Bautista, Adamson UniversityFollow
Ruby Jane Tañamor, Adamson UniversityFollow

Document Type

Paper Presentation

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Tañamor, Ruby Jane

Abstract/Executive Summary

The research study focused on comparing the perceptions of middle-class senior high school students on the food expenditure recommended by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), suggesting that ₱21.33 food expenditure of a Filipino is not considered as food poor. The research also examined the food satisfaction and accessibility of upper-middle-class (UMC) and lower-middle-class (LMC) students, who are senior high school students, and the differences between the two socio-economic classes. This research employs a causal-comparative research design, comparing two groups of middle-class students. To classify the respondents, the researchers conducted a pre-survey based on the socio-economic classification system developed by the PIDS. The middle-class students were then divided into two groups: UMC and LMC senior high school students. Afterwards, the sample size was determined through power analysis; 220 students participated in the study, with 110 students from each socio-economic class. The researchers employed simple random sampling to randomly assign respondents to socio-economic classes. Moreover, the results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in perceptions regarding food accessibility and satisfaction with the recommended food expenditure by NEDA, the UMC, and the LMC, as determined by the Mann-Whitney U Test. However, some key findings revealed a difference in perception among the groups regarding the said food expenditure. NEDA shall reevaluate or adjust the current food expenditure. Future researchers may consider a wider range of socio-economic classes as their respondents and conduct the same study in a qualitative manner.

Keywords

Adamson University, economics; food accessibility; food expenditure; food satisfaction; middle class