Consumption,preferences, and the evolutionary agenda |
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Authors: | JS Metcalfe |
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Institution: | (1) ESRC Centre for Research on Innovation and Competition, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9QH, UK (e-mail: msrassm@fs1.ec.man.ac.uk) , GB |
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Abstract: | The purpose of this paper is to provide a preliminary evolutionary account of preferences, consumption and demand. This is
particularly relevant for the study of innovation which offers consumers the opportunity to develop new behaviours. The paper
approaches this question in two stages. First it recognises the importance of time as well as income constraints on consumer
behaviour. Secondly, it develops a behavioural approach to consumption routines in terms of Herrnstein's concept of meloriation.
In this account the focus is upon activities for which commodities and time are inputs and, with innovation, time is rescheduled
on many fronts. Consumer learning is related to a replicator dynamic process. It is shown how changes in wages, prices and
the time required to consume influence the demand for activities. |
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Keywords: | : Consumption time – Innovation and consumption – Melioration hypothesis – Consumption routines |
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