Tulonvaikutukset

Tulonvaikutukset refers to the economic impact of income changes on consumer behavior. This concept, central to microeconomics, explains how shifts in a consumer's disposable income can influence their purchasing decisions for various goods and services. The core idea is that as income rises or falls, individuals and households will typically adjust their spending patterns.

There are two primary types of goods, distinguished by how demand for them responds to income changes: normal goods and inferior goods. For normal goods, as income increases, the demand for these products also increases. This category includes a wide range of items, from everyday necessities to luxury products. Conversely, for inferior goods, demand decreases as income rises. Consumers tend to switch to more desirable alternatives as their financial situation improves.

The magnitude of the change in demand relative to the change in income is measured by the income elasticity of demand. A positive income elasticity indicates a normal good, while a negative elasticity signifies an inferior good. Understanding tulonvaikutukset is crucial for businesses in forecasting demand and for policymakers in assessing the effects of fiscal policies, such as tax changes or welfare programs, on different segments of the population and the broader economy. It helps to predict how changes in income distribution might affect consumption and economic activity.