THE IMPACT OF INFLATION ON THE POPULATION'S CONSUMER BASKET: A STATISTICAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH

This research is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the impact of inflationary processes on the components of the population’s consumer basket and the overall level of welfare under modern economic conditions. The article examines the relationship between the dynamics of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and real household incomes based on econometric analysis of statistical data from the last five years. In addition, inflation expectations and their influence on consumer behavior are compared using sociological survey results. The study proves the tendency of consumers to shift from high-quality products to cheaper alternatives during inflationary periods. At the end of the research, scientifically grounded recommendations are proposed to protect real incomes, ensure price stability in consumer markets, and improve social protection mechanisms.