Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Link Copied!
Question
1 Approved Answer

Consider a variation of the model of Veblen effects, conspicuous consumption, and working time, presented in Bowles and Halliday, Suppose now that the consumer

image text in transcribed 

Consider a variation of the model of Veblen effects, conspicuous consumption, and working time, presented in Bowles and Halliday, Suppose now that the consumer has preferences over consumption, x, and labour, 0 0 denotes the Veblen effect and x denotes the consumption of the rich, so that effective consumption may be written x = x vx. a) [5 marks] Write down the consumer's budget constraint, and sketch it, along with the feasible budget set, in the xh-space. b) [5 marks] Find an expression for a consumer's indifference curve, and characterize its slope, intercepts (if any), and curvature. Then, sketch a few such curves in the xh-space, together with the constraint found in a). Where would the optimum lie? Explain your answer. c) [10 marks] Solve the consumer's optimization problem for x and h. Do the original model's conclusions regarding the link between income inequality and work hours still hold? Why or why not? Explain your answer. d) [10 marks] Suppose instead that u(x, h) = x-vx-(1/2) h. Is income inequality still a concern for work hours in this case? Is conspicuous consumption of the rich still a public bad"? Explain your answers.

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

Step: 1

blur-text-image
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions

See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success

Step: 2

blur-text-image_2

Step: 3

blur-text-image_3

Ace Your Homework with AI

Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance

Get Started

Recommended Textbook for

Contemporary Financial Management

Authors: James R Mcguigan, R Charles Moyer, William J Kretlow

10th Edition

978-0324289114, 0324289111

More Books

Students explore these related Finance questions