|
| |
Microeconomics is the study of the economic behavior of individuals, households and firms. Where macroeconomics looks at the big picture of the economy, microeconomics looks at the individual behaviors that drive economic processes. For the most part, microeconomics and macroeconomics examine the same concepts at different levels. The following are illustrative examples of microeconomics.
DemandHow demand for goods is influenced by income, preferences, prices and other factors such as expectations.SupplyHow producers decide to enter markets, scale production and exit markets.PricesHow individuals, households and firms react to prices and influence prices with their supply and demand. For example, the observation that some customary prices appear to be sticky in that consumers resist buying above a particular historically established price.
ElasticityElasticity is how supply and demand reacts to change. For example, a household that demands less of a good when the price increases due to the availability of substitutes.The tradeoffs that individuals and firms make to manage constrained resources such as time, money, capital and land. For example, an individual who can choose to go to university or start a company who doesn't have enough time or money to do both.
Modeling the supply and demand for labor. For example, looking at how expectations for economic growth impact the labour participation rate.CompetitionModeling competition in markets. For example, the use of game theory to model a price war between competitors.
Competitive AdvantageCompetitive advantage is the ability of certain firms to outcompete all competition in a particular area. For example, a sporting goods company with superior brand recognition and a positive brand image that can charge premium prices and still enjoy high demand for its products.
Consumer ChoiceHow needs, perceptions and information shape consumer choices. For example, the idea that consumers maximize their expected utility of purchases meaning that they buy the things they expect to be most useful to them.Consumer ConfidenceHow consumer expectations for the future influence spending, saving, investment and labor participation.
Business ConfidenceHow producer expectations for the future influence hiring, capital investment and supply. In many cases, macroeconomics assumes that all market participants have perfect information in order to simplify models. Microeconomics may look at the realities of imperfect information and its influence on markets. For example, how uncertainty regarding product quality impacts consumer decisions.Welfare EconomicsModeling the impact of social programs on economic decisions such as labor participation or risk taking. For example, looking at how a social safety net encourages individuals to start or fund brave new businesses.Modeling the productivity of individuals and firms including factors such as automation, tools and knowledge. |
| Type | | | Definition | The study of the economic behavior of individuals, households and firms. | | Related Concepts | |
Economics
This is the complete list of articles we have written about economics.
If you enjoyed this page, please consider bookmarking Simplicable.
The definition of consumer economics with examples.
The definition of behavioral economics with examples.
An activity that produces no value but is concerned with gaining a bigger piece of existing value.
Everyday examples of economics.
The basics of capitalism.
The common types of economic benefit.
An overview of value chains with complete examples.
The phases and causes of the business cycle.
The definition of commodification with examples.
The basic types of economy explained.
An overview of media economics with examples.
An overview of labor economics with examples.
Several types of severe economic problems.
The difference between inflation and hyperinflation.
An overview of fiscal dominance.
The difference between inflation and deflation.
The difference between protectionism and free trade.
The definition of currency war with examples.
The common types of speculative bubble.
The definition of capital flight with examples.
A list of common economic issues.
TrendingThe most popular articles on Simplicable in the past day.
Recent posts or updates on Simplicable.
Site Map
© 2010-2023 Simplicable. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of materials found on this site, in any form, without explicit permission is prohibited.
View credits & copyrights or citation information for this page.
|
