Consumption decisions when people value conformity
Abstract
In this paper we assume that for some commodities individuals may wish to adjust their levels of consumption from their normal Marshallian levels so as to match the consumption levels of a group of other individuals, in order to signal that they conform to the consumption norms of that group. Unlike Veblen’s concept of conspicuous consumption this can mean that some individuals may reduce their consumption of the relevant commodities. We model this as a three-stage game in which individuals first decide whether or not they wish to adhere to a norm, then decide which norm they wish to adhere to, and finally decide their actual consumption. We present a number of examples of the resulting equilibria, and then discuss the potential policy implications of this model.
Citation
Ulph , D T & Ulph , A 2014 ' Consumption decisions when people value conformity ' School of Economics & Finance Discussion Paper , no. 1414 , University of St Andrews , pp. 1-29 .
Publication
ISSN
0962-4031Type
Working or discussion paper
Rights
(c) the author 2014
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