The document discusses consumption patterns and household expenditure. It defines consumption and describes how it can be studied by the kinds of goods and services consumed, how they are organized for use, and the underlying values of households. It lists categories of consumption in household surveys and constraints on consumption like price, resources, and environmental factors. The document also discusses current and future needs, basic versus non-basic needs, and expenditures related to housing, transportation, clothing, education, insurance, and children.