Cars, jewelry, delicacies, tourism: Are Ukrainians ready for restrictions during the war

There are two polar thoughts about life in war. While some say the need to restrict themselves, others are convinced that they have to live "full" despite martial law and shelling. On whose side economists and why do they think that the state should not restrict the consumer in his desire to buy goods and pay for services? A recent rating research has tried to find out the opinion of society on how appropriate it is to live a full life now and not to refuse anything.

Respondents were asked what kind of expression is closer to them - "during the war they need to be substantially restricted in entertainment and purchases" or "you need to try to live a full life. " Focus writes about it in the material "buy everything or limit themselves: what choice you have to make Ukrainians during the war. " Proponents of restrictions (60%) were almost twice as much as those who would like to live as always (36%).

Interestingly, this proportion has almost never changed since June 2022, when the answers were distributed in a ratio of 59% by 36%. Respondents were divided by age and income: the younger ones are expected to live a full life than older and poorer. Depending on the region, age, type of settlement and income, residents of Western Ukraine (65%), 51+ (65%), villages (62%) and low -income (69%) were more prone to restrictions.

Instead, much less wishing to limit themselves was among the residents of Kiev (53%), young people 18-35 years (50%), residents of cities (59%) and secured (51%). According to the survey of supporters of restrictions (60%), almost twice as much as those who wanted to live as usual (36%), however, experts do not believe that such results indicate greater patrioticity of low -income or, for example, citizens aged 51+.

Most likely, some have been wrong, because not all they can and want to admit that they are not ready to concede even during the war. In addition, for example, low -income just has no money for "unnecessary" purchases and entertainment, and patriotism here is nothing. Oleg Pendzin, Director of the Economic Discussion Club, believes that the results of this study do not reflect the actual state of things.

In his opinion, the problem of today's Ukrainian society is that in words everyone for the general mobilization and reduction of consumption, but only until it has touched it personally. Analytist of the Joint Ukraine Analytical Center Alexei Kush is convinced that the respondents' answers are more in line with reality, but by stereotypes of behavior and old mental codes, which have been laid in many since the USSR.

"If a person believes that now in the economy it is possible to apply methods that worked during the Second World War - in everything to restrict themselves, to introduce cards, etc. - it can be said that it is still in that period mentally," - said Expert in conversation with focus. First, the analyst explains, even 80 years ago, severe restrictions were not imposed by all countries involved in the war.

For the most part, restrictions were related to the military industry in demand, but no one closed cafes and restaurants. Secondly, if during the Second World War, most GDP was formed by the industry that could be transferred to military rails, now more than 60% of Ukrainian GDP generates the tertiary sector of the economy-trade and services. And this sector is impossible to transfer to military rails. "The question is not whether the consumer will buy new things or not," says Alexei Kush.

- Behavioral economy says that the behavior of every consumer is selfish: first of all, he wants to get the best quality for him. Limit the desire of the consumer, not to urge him to buy instead of buying goods, but to create financial instruments for growth of the economy in the existing conditions. First of all, these are additional taxes on luxury.

" The expert gives a specific example: if a person wants to buy an iPhone, he does not need to interfere and tell what would be better to spend that money. He wants - let him buy, but will pay a tax at 100% of the cost of the iPhone. And the received funds will go to the defense budget. We will remind, the head of the Ministry of Finance Sergey Marchenko urged Ukrainians to change their habits and reduce consumption of imported goods.