TV show making British Housewives more Desperate, says Virgin Money
14/03/2005
Research from Virgin Money Credit Card has suggested that hit American TV show Desperate Housewives is increasing the pressure felt by British women to keep up appearances.
More than a quarter of the women interviewed by Virgin Money said they felt the show increased the pressure they felt to compete with their neighbours.
Indeed, British housewives are now spending a massive £5 billion on efforts to keep their personal appearance and that of their home and garden up with the Joneses - or the van der Kamps.
Bree van der Kamp may go a little far in manicuring her garden bushes, but housewives on this side of the pond also spend the largest chunk of their yearly £3,488 keeping up appearances spend on their home and garden, investing £1,633.
"While the Desperate Housewives are fictional characters, it seems that neighbourly relations in Britain are not a world away from Wisteria Drive," comments Scott Mowbray of Virgin Money Credit Card.
"Women do feel pressure to keep up with their neighbours and around a quarter are spending on their credit card to do so."
Mr Mowbray advises finding a card with a low rate if you're as houseproud as Bree van der Kamp and Gabrielle in the show.
Click here to find the credit card to suit you best.
© DeHavilland Information Services plc
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