Definition of a Normal Good
A normal good is a type of good that experiences an increase in demand when there is an increase in income (Investopedia, n.d.). This means that as consumers’ incomes rise, they tend to purchase more of the normal good.
Key Facts
- Definition: A normal good is a type of good that experiences an increase in demand when there is an increase in income.
- Positive Income Elasticity: The income elasticity of a normal good is positive, indicating that as income increases, the quantity demanded for the good also increases.
- Less than One: The income elasticity of a normal good is typically less than one. This means that the increase in demand for the good is proportionately smaller than the increase in income.
- Necessity Goods: Normal goods with an income elasticity between zero and one are often referred to as necessity goods. These are goods that consumers continue to buy regardless of changes in their income levels.
- Examples: Some examples of normal goods include food, clothing, and household items. As income rises, consumers tend to spend more on these goods.
Positive Income Elasticity
The income elasticity of demand for a normal good is positive (Investopedia, n.d.). Income elasticity of demand measures the responsiveness of the quantity demanded for a good to a change in consumer income. A positive income elasticity indicates that as income increases, the quantity demanded for the good also increases.
Less than One
The income elasticity of demand for a normal good is typically less than one (Investopedia, n.d.). This means that the increase in demand for the good is proportionately smaller than the increase in income. For example, if a consumer’s income increases by 10% and the quantity demanded for a normal good increases by 5%, the income elasticity of demand for that good would be 0.5.
Necessity Goods
Normal goods with an income elasticity between zero and one are often referred to as necessity goods (Investopedia, n.d.). These are goods that consumers continue to buy regardless of changes in their income levels. Examples of necessity goods include food, clothing, and shelter.
Examples of Normal Goods
Some examples of normal goods include food, clothing, and household items (Investopedia, n.d.). As income rises, consumers tend to spend more on these goods. For example, a consumer with a higher income may purchase more expensive cuts of meat, higher-quality clothing, or a larger home.
Conclusion
Normal goods are a type of good that experiences an increase in demand when there is an increase in income. The income elasticity of demand for a normal good is positive, but typically less than one. This means that the increase in demand for the good is proportionately smaller than the increase in income. Some examples of normal goods include food, clothing, and household items.
References
- Investopedia. (n.d.). Income Elasticity of Demand: Definition, Formula, and Types. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/incomeelasticityofdemand.asp
- Investopedia. (n.d.). Normal Good. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/normal-good.asp
- Wikipedia. (n.d.). Normal good. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_good
FAQs
What is the income elasticity of demand?
The income elasticity of demand measures the responsiveness of the quantity demanded for a good to a change in consumer income.
What is a normal good?
A normal good is a type of good that experiences an increase in demand when there is an increase in income.
What is the income elasticity of demand for a normal good?
The income elasticity of demand for a normal good is positive, indicating that as income increases, the quantity demanded for the good also increases.
Is the income elasticity of demand for a normal good typically greater than one or less than one?
The income elasticity of demand for a normal good is typically less than one. This means that the increase in demand for the good is proportionately smaller than the increase in income.
What is an example of a normal good?
Some examples of normal goods include food, clothing, and household items.
What is a necessity good?
A necessity good is a type of normal good with an income elasticity between zero and one. These are goods that consumers continue to buy regardless of changes in their income levels.
What is the difference between a normal good and an inferior good?
An inferior good is a type of good that experiences a decrease in demand when there is an increase in income.
What is the income elasticity of demand for an inferior good?
The income elasticity of demand for an inferior good is negative, indicating that as income increases, the quantity demanded for the good decreases.