Economic Education in Padang’s Junior High Schools Falls Short of Shaping Rational Spending Habits
Junior high school students in Padang City, West Sumatra, already understand basic economic concepts such as needs versus wants, but this knowledge rarely guides their daily spending decisions. This finding comes from a 2026 study by Sri Wahyuni and her colleagues from the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of PGRI West Sumatra. Published in the International Journal of Contemporary Sciences (IJCS), the research shows a clear gap between what students learn about consumption economics in school and how they actually use their pocket money in real life.
The study, conducted between July and October 2025, matters because adolescence is a critical stage for forming lifelong financial habits. As digital media, peer pressure, and consumer culture increasingly shape young people’s choices, weak economic literacy at this age may lead to persistent consumptive behavior in adulthood.
Why Consumption Economics Education Matters
Economic growth and rapid technological change have transformed consumption patterns across Indonesia. For adolescents, social media platforms, online advertising, and peer trends now strongly influence buying behavior. Junior high school students are at a transitional stage where they begin making independent decisions, such as choosing food, clothing, and entertainment using their own allowance.
In theory, consumption economics education helps children learn how to prioritize needs, manage limited resources, and make responsible decisions. In practice, as this study shows, many students still spend impulsively, focusing more on desire than necessity. This disconnect raises concerns about how economic education is delivered and reinforced at school and at home.
Padang City provides a unique context for this issue. As a major education and economic center in West Sumatra, Padang is also rooted in Minangkabau cultural values that emphasize simplicity and moderation. Yet these local values appear to be fading under the pressure of modern consumer lifestyles.
How the Study Was Conducted
The research used a qualitative case study approach to capture real-life behavior and perceptions. The team involved 40 informants: 28 junior high school students as key participants, supported by 12 social studies teachers, parents, and curriculum representatives.
Data were gathered through in-depth interviews, direct observation of students’ spending behavior at school, and analysis of curriculum documents. Interviews typically lasted 30 to 60 minutes, allowing researchers to explore how students understand economic concepts and how those concepts influence—or fail to influence—their daily choices.
Key Findings from Padang’s Junior High Students
The study identified five major themes that explain why consumption economics education has not yet been effective.
As Sri Wahyuni of the University of PGRI West Sumatra explains in the article, students often “understand the concept of rational consumption but struggle to practice it consistently in daily life.” This insight highlights the limits of theory-based learning.
Real-World Implications for Education and Policy
The findings point to a need for change in how consumption economics is taught and reinforced. For schools, the study suggests moving beyond memorization toward contextual learning. Simple activities such as managing a weekly allowance, analyzing real spending habits, or discussing popular consumer trends could help students internalize economic values.
Teachers play a key role as facilitators, not just content deliverers. By connecting lessons to students’ everyday experiences, they can help bridge the gap between knowledge and behavior. Families are equally important. Parents who model careful spending and discuss financial decisions openly can strengthen children’s economic literacy from an early age.
For policymakers, the research underscores the importance of strengthening economic and financial literacy in junior high curricula. Training teachers, developing locally relevant teaching materials, and integrating cultural values into lessons could help counter the influence of consumerism and digital advertising.
Why This Research Matters Beyond Padang
Although the study focuses on Padang City, its implications extend to other urban areas facing similar challenges. As young people everywhere navigate digital consumer culture, early economic education becomes a foundation for financial well-being, social responsibility, and sustainable consumption.
By highlighting the gap between understanding and practice, this research provides evidence that economic education must be experiential, collaborative, and culturally grounded to be effective.
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