Final answer:
During the recession, the category with the greatest percent increase in spending worldwide was higher education, as consumers viewed it as essential for prosperity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The category that experienced the greatest percent increase during the recession is higher education. Consumers around the world increased their spending on higher education, as indicated by the enrollment increases in colleges and universities reported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In the United States specifically, there was an 18% increase in higher education spending. The rationale behind this is the widespread belief that higher education is a pathway to prosperity, with many viewing increased earnings as a significant benefit of attending college.