Overview of Consumption in Macroeconomics
Consumption is a vital component of aggregate demand in an economy and serves as the most significant determinant of consumption demand is household income. The relationship between consumption and income can be expressed through a consumption function, typically formulated as C = C + cY, where:
- C: is autonomous consumption—consumption regardless of income levels.
- cY: is induced consumption, which varies with household income, described by the marginal propensity to consume (MPC).
Even at zero income, individuals consume due to autonomous consumption, which is a basic necessity not linked to income. The section further distinguishes between ex ante (planned) and ex post (actual) consumption, emphasizing how actual consumption may differ from what is planned due to unforeseen economic changes.
Understanding consumption dynamics is crucial for determining national income, as it directly influences aggregate demand. The marginal propensity to consume (MPC) is defined as the increase in consumption resulting from a unit increase in income, affecting overall economic growth.