What economic process occurs when consumers use outcomes of production to satisfy their needs and wants?

The correct answer is consumption, as it specifically refers to the process through which consumers utilize the goods and services produced to meet their needs and desires. In the context of economics, consumption represents the end phase of the economic cycle where the products, whether tangible or intangible, are acquired and used by individuals or groups to fulfill various requirements—such as basic necessities (food, water, shelter) and luxury items (clothing, entertainment).

Understanding consumption is essential in cultural anthropology because it reveals patterns of behavior, social values, and cultural norms. It provides insight into how different communities prioritize their needs, the impact of consumerism on cultural identity, and the variations in consumption habits across different societies and economic systems.

In contrast, the other options relate to different stages or aspects of the economic process. Distribution involves the logistics and pathways through which goods are delivered from producers to consumers. Investment consists of the allocation of resources with the expectation of generating profit or economic return in the future. Production is the process of creating goods and services, encompassing all activities involved in producing those outcomes. Each of these plays a critical role in the economic framework, but they do not directly address the act of consumers using those goods and services, which is the essence of consumption.