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Reasons for a change in demand
It is important to keep straight the difference a change in
quantity demanded, and a change in demand. There is only one
reason for a change in the quantity demanded of some good:a
change in its price; however, there are several reasons for a
change in demand for the good, including:
1. Changes in the price of related goods: The demand for
a good may be changed by increases in the prices of the other,
related goods. These related goods are usually divided into two
categories called substitutes (for ex., butter and margarine) and
complements (for ex., shoesand shoelaces).
2. Changes in income : The demand for a good may also
be affected by changes in the incomes of buyers. Normally, as
incomes rise, the demandfor a good will usually increase at all
prices, andvice versa. Goods for which changes in demand vary
directly with changes in income leads to a decreasein demand
and a decrease in income leads to an increase in demand.
Goods for which changes in demand vary inversely with
changes in income are called inferior goods. For example,
consider meat and bread. As incomes increase, people demand
relatively more meat and realtively less bread, implying that
meat may be regarded as a normal good, and bread may be
considered an inferior good.
3. Changes in preferences: As peoples’ preferences for
goods and services change over time, the demand for these
goods and services will also shift. For example, as the price for
the gasoline has risen, automobile buyers have demanded more
fuel-efficient, “economy” cars, and fewer gas-guzzling,
“luxury” cars.
4. Changes in expectations: If buyers expect that they will
have a job for many years to come, they will be more willing to
purchase goods such as cars and homes that require payments
over a long period of time. If buyers fear losing their jobs,
perhaps because of a adverse economic climate, they will
demand fewer goods requiring long – term payments.
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