Research on the Influence and Mechanism of Household Income on Sports Consumption among Chinese Residents

Enhancing sports consumption is pivotal for optimizing consumption structures and stimulating long-term consumption potential. Centering on household sports expenditure, this study employs microeconomic income-consumption theory to analyze how income fluctuations influence sports-related spending. Leveraging data from the 2016–2022 China Family Panel Studies and utilizing a Tobit regression model, the study investigates both the direct and indirect mechanisms through which household income affects sports consumption. Key findings include: 1) A robust positive correlation exists between household income and sports consumption in China; 2) income growth not only directly drives sports consumption but also indirectly amplifies it by boosting overall household expenditure and other leisure-related spending; 3) the primary constraints on household sports consumption are rooted in low aggregate consumption rates and limited discretionary spending on leisure and recreational services. To address these barriers, policy recommendations emphasize alleviating income constraints, fostering consumption propensity, facilitating capital accumulation for discretionary spending, ensuring adequate leisure time, and adapting to evolving demographic trends.