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Empirical Testing of the Non-Satiation Axiom in the Consumer Choice Theory

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  • Vasil Stoyanov

Abstract

The aim of this study is to test the empirical validity of the non-satiation axiom in the consumer choice theory. And to achieve this aim, we decide to use statistical data providing information about the average amount of expenditure per capita in the USA for the consumption of several goods and services that we selected for this study throughout the period 1959-2016, and statistical data providing information about the level of the real disposable income per capita in the USA for the same period. Then, we build up a theoretical model that is based on the Engel curves presented in Luigi Pasinetti with three different shapes, each displaying satiation in the form of zero or even negative slope from a certain level of income onwards. We use this theoretical model as the methodology by which to conduct our empirical study and to obtain the best as possible results from it. And particularly in our empirical study, we conduct a non-linear regression curve fitting analysis between the independent variable level of real disposable income and the dependent variable amount of expenditure for the consumption of a particular good or service. The results from this study show empirical evidence that there is an upper limit on the amount of expenditure that is allocated by a consumer to anyone particular good or service, regardless of how much his income grows. Finally, we reach to the conclusion that this empirical study produces evidence which rejects the validity of the non-satiation axiom in the neoclassical consumer choice theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Vasil Stoyanov, 2018. "Empirical Testing of the Non-Satiation Axiom in the Consumer Choice Theory," Economic Studies journal, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute, issue 1, pages 3-38.
    • Handle: RePEc:bas:econst:y:2018:i:1:p:3-38
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Frank H. Knight, 1944. "Realism and Relevance in the Theory of Demand," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 52(4), pages 289-289.
    2. Witt, Ulrich, 2010. "Symbolic consumption and the social construction of product characteristics," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 21(1), pages 17-25, March.
    3. Robert L. Bishop, 1946. "Professor Knight and the Theory of Demand," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 54(2), pages 141-141.
    4. Ulrich Witt, 2001. "special issue: Learning to consume - A theory of wants and the growth of demand," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 23-36.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis

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