Consumer Markets in a Colombian Town

The majority of the world's consumers live in rural areas in less developed nations, yet few studies have dealt with consumer markets in such regions. A case study of a town in Colombia provides some insights into the functioning of markets for nondurables, durables, medical care, and transportation. The market structures are diverse and reflect the characteristics of the population, the isolation of the town, the level of information and public policy. While not without problems, the markets function fairly well under present circumstances. That stores are numerous and small creates some inefficiencies but serves to minimize fraud due to a personal relationship between buyer and seller. Government intervention has proven helpful in the provision of medical service. Consumer education could help solve some problems. Prospects for a consumer movement are weak at present.     

Systems Perspective on Automobile and Appliance Warranty Problems

Warranties must protect consumers to serve manufacturers, but competition is deficient as a consumer protection. Consumers seeking aid through legislation and litigation have forced government to create new institutions, but consumers can play a still more effective role in holding both government and industry to standards of social accountability.     

SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM IN CHINA: THE CASE OF OLD-AGE INSURANCE

The social security system in the People's Republic of China is experiencing dramatic changes. This paper examines the characteristics of the pre-reform social security system in the People's Republic of China with respect to the old-age insurance, discusses and comments on the recent efforts towards old-age insurance reform, and proposes recommendations for the current reform, such as raising the official retirement ages, changing funding system, and investing pension funds to appreciate their values.