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Why are there differences between normal and inferior goods?

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I want to know why, for example, when income rises, the consumption for black and white TVs will fall, but consumption for colour TVs rise? So simply, a couple of reasons why such differences arise? I briefly know it is related to inferior/normal goods, tastes etc? I would appreciate a variety of reasons.

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Solution Summary

This solution discusses the characteristics of normal goods vs. inferior goods, and the effects of that on the income elasticity of demand.

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Dear Student:

The differences between normal and inferior goods derive basically from the income elasticity of demand
Ei = (Percentage change in quantity demanded) / (Percentage change in income)

When income rises, people have more money to spend and thus quantities they buy increase. E.g. they buy more CDs, books, download more computer games, or go to movies more often. That makes sense. This applies to normal goods (as economists ...

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