Exploring barriers to purchasing the necessary commodities in daily life and adaptive strategies of middle-class consumers in Bangladesh

This study explores the barriers middle-class consumers in Bangladesh face when purchasing essential commodities and how they adapt to rising living costs. A qualitative design was employed in the Khulna and Jashore districts using purposive sampling. Data were collected through nine in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions with 29 participants, guided by a semi-structured interview guide. The findings identify income constraints, price hikes, transportation costs, limited market access, cultural norms, festivals, and social expectations as the main barriers. The study suggests that price control policies, greater market transparency, targeted subsidies, and salary adjustments could reduce financial pressure on middle-class households. Drawing on Bourdieu’s social capital theory, the findings further demonstrate how individuals and families mobilize social networks to cope with economic hardship and adapt to rising commodity prices.