Exploring the influence of perceived economic mobility on leisure consumption: The moderating effect of social capitals

Abstract

This study examines how perceived economic mobility (PEM) influences leisure consumption, specifically distinguishing between highbrow and popular cultural activities. This research posits that PEM, as a subjective perception of social class, significantly drives leisure consumption patterns, and that this effect is moderated by various dimensions of social capital, including social relationships, trust, and social networking. Using data from a comprehensive survey of 42,125 citizens in South Korea, this study assesses the relationships among these factors using confirmatory factor analysis and regression. The findings reveal that individuals with higher PEM are more likely to engage in both highbrow and popular leisure consumption, though the extent of this engagement is shaped by their social capital. Social trust and networking enhance the positive relationship between PEM and highbrow leisure consumption, while strong social relationships appear to reduce engagement in popular leisure consumption. These insights provide valuable implications for the leisure industry, suggesting that fostering economic optimism and leveraging social capital can effectively boost leisure consumption. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how economic perceptions and social factors interact to shape consumer behavior in leisure contexts, offering a nuanced perspective that bridges the gap between economic theory and social capital frameworks.