The purpose of this study was to investigate consumer competencies of urban wives an variables on it. The framework of this study was consumer socialization theory. The results were as follows; 1. There were significant differences in competencies of urban wives according to employment status, interaction with family members, interaction with peers and frequency of media exposure. 2. Employment status, interaction with family members and frequency of media exposure were independent influencing factors on consumer competencies of urban wives. 3. Reviewing a causal model, the results were as follows. Employment status, interaction with family members and frequency of media exposure had an effect on consumer competencies of urban wives directly. (Korean J Human Ecology 1(2):23-36, 1998)