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Tractable Consumer Choice

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Abstract

We derive a rational model of separable consumer choice which can also serve as a behavioral model. The central construct is lambda, the marginal utility of money, derived from the consumer's rest-of-life problem. We present a robust approximation of lambda, and show how to incorporate liquidity constraints, indivisibilities and adaptation to a changing environment. We find connections with numerous historical and recent constructs, both behavioral and neoclassical, and draw contrasts with standard partial equilibrium analysis. The result is a better grounded, more flexible and more intuitive description of consumer choice.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Friedman & Jozsef Sakovics, 2013. "Tractable Consumer Choice," Edinburgh School of Economics Discussion Paper Series 240, Edinburgh School of Economics, University of Edinburgh.
    • Handle: RePEc:edn:esedps:240
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    Cited by:

    1. Sákovics, József, 2014. "Tractable valuations under uncertainty," 2007 Annual Meeting, July 29-August 1, 2007, Portland, Oregon TN 2015-41, American Agricultural Economics Association (New Name 2008: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association).
    2. Sákovics, József, 2015. "Tractable valuations under uncertainty," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 68-70.
    3. Zhang, Yongfeng & Zhang, Yi & Friedman, Daniel, 2017. "Economic recommendation based on pareto efficient resource allocation," Discussion Papers, Research Professorship Market Design: Theory and Pragmatics SP II 2017-503, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
    4. Zhang, Yongfeng & Zhao, Qi & Zhang, Yi & Friedman, Daniel & Zhang, Min & Liu, Yiqun & Ma, Shaoping, 2016. "Economic recommendation with surplus maximization," Discussion Papers, Research Professorship Market Design: Theory and Pragmatics SP II 2016-502, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
    5. Roberto Burguet & József Sákovics, 2019. "Bidding For Talent In Sport," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 57(1), pages 85-102, January.

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    JEL classification:

    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory

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