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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM64448
Volume:
10 |
6 |
Jun 2026
Pages:
1-9
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
Post Graduate and Research Department of Commerce
Bishop Abraham Memorial College, Thuruthicad
Post Graduate and Research Department of Commerce
Bishop Abraham Memorial College, Thuruthicad
Post Graduate and Research Department of Commerce
Bishop Abraham Memorial College, Thuruthicad
The rapid expansion of e-commerce has brought significant changes to the socio-economic conditions of rural households in Kerala. The increasing availability of internet services, wider use of smartphones, growth of digital payment facilities and better delivery systems have encouraged rural consumers to adopt online shopping more actively. This study examines the socio-economic impact of e-commerce expansion among rural households in Kerala, with particular focus on consumer behaviour, financial inclusion, employment opportunities and changes in lifestyle patterns. The present study is descriptive and analytical in nature and is based on both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from 120 rural consumers belonging to selected districts from northern, central and southern Kerala through a structured interview schedule. Various statistical tools, including percentage analysis, mean score analysis and the Chi-square test were used for data analysis. The findings indicate that convenience, easy access to products and attractive discounts are the major reasons influencing the use of e-commerce among rural households. The Chi-square test also revealed a significant relationship between e-commerce usage and the socio-economic development of rural households. The study concludes that e-commerce has emerged as an important factor contributing to rural economic transformation in Kerala. However, issues such as cyber fraud, digital illiteracy and the gradual decline of traditional retail businesses still remain important challenges.
KEYWORDS
The expansion of e-commerce has brought significant changes to the socio-economic environment of rural Kerala. The increasing availability of internet services, growing smartphone usage, and the adoption of digital payment systems have encouraged rural consumers to engage more actively in online shopping. E-commerce has improved access to products and services, strengthened financial inclusion, created employment opportunities, and supported entrepreneurial growth in rural areas. The statistical analysis confirms that there is a significant relationship between e-commerce usage and socio-economic development among rural households. At the same time, certain challenges such as cyber fraud, digital illiteracy, and the gradual decline of traditional retail businesses still remain. Therefore, ensuring sustainable e-commerce development in rural Kerala requires coordinated efforts from the government, educational institutions, financial institutions, and e-commerce companies to promote inclusive digital growth and rural empowerment.
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Publication Date
6/2/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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