Chapter 9 Applications of the Competitive Model

9.1

2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

Figure 9.1 The supply and demand model

9.2

2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

Demand and Supply

Increases

in demand lead to movements along the supply curve (given an upward sloping supply curve) to an increased equilibrium price and quantity. Increases in supply lead to movements along the demand curve (given a downward sloping demand curve) an increased equilibrium quantity but a decreased equilibrium price.
9.3
2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

Figure 9.3 Heating cost functions

9.4

2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

Figure 9.4 Optimal heating in identical homes

9.5

2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

Figure 9.5 Optimal heating in different homes

9.6

2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

Figure 9.6 The economies of a quota

9.7

2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

From Figure 9.6

An effective quota reduces the quantity supplied and raises the price to consumers. The quota allows the farmers to earn economic rent, (a return above the opportunity cost). The value of the quota increases the costs of entering the industry and when a quota is sold to another farmer, the value is transferred completely to the original farmer. This is called the transitional gains trap.

9.8

2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

Figure 9.7 The economies of rent control

9.9

2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

Potential Effects of Rent Control

Tenants who occupy apartments when rent control is established will benefit. All landlords will be worse off and some will be induced to reduce supply. As a result of reduced supply, some renters are worse off. The way available apartments are allocated imposes costs on suppliers and renters and the allocation is not Pareto-optimal.

9.10
2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

Figure 9.8 The effect of a tax on producers

9.11

2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

From Figure 9.8

A

per-unit tax increases the equilibrium price by less than the tax. The tax creates a deadweight loss as it reduces consumer and producer surplus. The amount of the tax paid by consumers and producers depends upon the relative elasticities of demand and supply.

9.12

2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

Figure 9.9 Elasticity of demand and per-unit taxes

9.13

2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

Figure 9.10 The effect of a tax on consumers

9.14

2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

Figure 9.11 The effect of a tariff on shoes

9.15

2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

Figure 9.12 The market for wives

9.16

2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

Figure 9.13 The equilibrium amount of crime

9.17

2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

From Figure 9.13

The demand curve for crime shows the declining marginal benefits of a crime as function of the number of crimes. The supply curve of crime slopes upwards, showing rising marginal costs. A major cost being foregone income from legitimate employment (persons with low alternative earnings are the first to turn to crime). In equilibrium, the quantity of crime is where the marginal benefits and marginal costs meet.

9.18
2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

The Economic of Crime

1.

2.

The model suggests two methods to reduce crime: Reduce the net benefits of crime (impose stiffer penalties and increase law enforcement). Raise the opportunity cost (increase job opportunities and raise social safety nets).
2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.

9.19