Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Question
1 Approved Answer
According to the theory of income distribution that we learned in class, a worker's real wage reflects her productivity. Let's use this insight to examine
According to the theory of income distribution that we learned in class, a worker's real wage reflects her productivity. Let's use this insight to examine the incomes of two groups of workers: farmers and barbers. Let Wfand Wbbe thenominalwages of farmers and barbers, Pfand Pbbe the prices of food and haircuts, and Afand Abbe the marginal productivity of farmers and barbers.
- For each of the six variables defined above, state as precisely as you can the units in which they are measured. (Hint: Each answer takes the form "X per unit of Y.")
- Over the past century, the productivity of farmers Afhas risen substantially because of technological progress. According to the neoclassical theory that we learned in class, what should have happened to farmers' real wage, Wf/Pf? In what units is this real wage measured?
- Over the same period, the productivity of barbers Abhas remained constant. What should have happened to barbers' real wage, Wb/ Pb? In what units is this real wage measured?
- Suppose that, in the long run, workers can move freely between being farmers and being barbers. What does this mobility imply for the nominal wages of farmers and barbers, Wfand Wb? Why?
- What do the previous answers imply for the price of haircuts relative to the price of food, Pb/ Pf?
- Suppose that barbers and farmers consume the same basket of goods and services. Who benefits more from technological progress in farmingfarmers or barbers? Explain how your answer is consistent with the results on real wages in parts (b) and (c).
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started