A consumer at present consumes a commodity which he finds inferior as ...
Impact of Income Increase on Consumer Behavior
When a consumer experiences an increase in income, their consumption patterns for inferior and normal goods undergo significant changes. This shift can be illustrated through various economic principles.
Change in Consumption
- Inferior Goods: As income rises, consumers tend to decrease their consumption of inferior goods (goods for which demand falls as income increases).
- Normal Goods: Simultaneously, the consumer will increase their consumption of normal goods (goods for which demand rises as income increases).
Substitution Effect
- Switching to Normal Goods: With more disposable income, consumers substitute normal goods for inferior ones, leading to an overall increase in utility.
Income Effect
- Increased Demand for Normal Goods: The income effect reflects that as income rises, the purchasing power increases, allowing the consumer to buy more normal goods and less of the inferior ones.
Graphical Representation
- Indifference Curves: In a typical indifference curve analysis:
- The initial budget constraint reflects the lower income level.
- The new budget constraint shifts outward with increased income, allowing access to higher levels of utility.
- The consumer moves to a higher indifference curve, indicating a preference for normal goods over inferior goods.
Conclusion
In summary, an increase in income leads consumers to reduce their consumption of inferior goods while increasing their demand for normal goods, ultimately enhancing overall satisfaction and utility in their consumption choices. Understanding this transition is crucial for analyzing consumer behavior within economic frameworks.
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