1
$\begingroup$

How does one create a utility function to indicate existence of a bliss point? what do the goods marshillian demands look like in such a situation?

$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ The question is somewhat unclear. There are several such utility functions. And Marshallian demands would depend strongly on the exact preferences, so I am not sure what kind of answer you expect. $\endgroup$
    – Giskard
    Oct 16, 2016 at 18:22

2 Answers 2

2
$\begingroup$

An answer that meets all the current demands of the question:

Let $(x_b,y_b)$ be the blisspoint. Let $$ U(x,y) = \left\{ \begin{array}{cc} 1 & \mbox{ if } (x,y) = (x_b,y_b) \\ 0 & \mbox{ if } (x,y) \neq (x_b,y_b). \end{array}\right. $$ The demand function for $x$ in this case is $$ D_x(I,p_x,p_y) = \left\{ \begin{array}{cc} x_b & \mbox{ if } p_x \cdot x_b + p_y \cdot y_b \leq I \\ \left[0,\frac{I}{p_x}\right] & \mbox{ if } p_x \cdot x_b + p_y \cdot y_b > I. \end{array}\right. $$

$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ I suspected a peicewise function of sorts. Amazing. $\endgroup$
    – EconJohn
    Oct 16, 2016 at 18:27
1
$\begingroup$

For a continuous version of a bliss point we can have the function: $$U(x_1,x_2)=-(x_1-\delta)^2-(x_2-\delta_2)^2$$

where $\delta_1$ and $\delta_2$ are bliss requirements.

The corresponding Marshallian: demands for $x_1$ and $x_2$ are:

$$x_1(p_1,p_2,I)=\frac{p_1m+p_2^2\delta_1+p_1\delta_2}{p_1^2+p_2^2}$$

$$x_2(p_1,p_2,I)=\frac{p_2m+p_2^2\delta_2+p_2\delta_1}{p_1^2+p_2^2}$$

The corresponding Hicksian Demands for this function is:

$$x_1^c=\delta_1-\left[\frac{\bar{U}}{1+\frac{p_2}{p_1}}\right]^\frac{1}{2}$$

$$x_2^c=\delta_2-\left[\frac{\bar{U}}{1+\frac{p_1}{p_2}}\right]^\frac{1}{2}$$

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.