Americans are starting to value experiences over things, according to a new poll. Nearly half of Americans report spending less time purchasing non-essential goods, while many are spending more time on friends, family, and hobbies.
Less stuff, more experiences: of all the impacts of the recession, this new American trend may be one of the most hopeful. A new New York Times/CBS News poll shows a widespread pattern of spending less time and money on things and more time and money on hobbies, family, travel and other experiences. This is good news for communities and local institutions: families are patronizing museums, restaurants, and parks in greater numbers, and the Department of Labor's time-use surveys show that increased activities also include "organizational, civic and religious activities."
Read the full story: In Recession, Americans Doing More, Buying Less
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City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
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