Ratchet effect and Demonstration effect

According to Dussenberry’s Relative income hypothesis, consumption function is not independent but is interdependent upon the relative position in the society. The consumption habits may change if the relative position of individuals changes in the society. It is explained through Ratchet effect and demonstration effects . Every man wants to imitate the higher standard of living of their neighbors. He wants to live up their Joneses. This is called as demonstration effect in consumption behavior. There is another influencing behavior in the consumption. When a man regards himself as equals to the neighbors, he was to express his superiority. Thus, when income level increases, the consumption level is likely to go up. Another feature of Dussenberry’s consumption function is that once the higher standard of living of the consumer is achieved, it cannot come down with the decrease in their income. This is called ratchet effect of consumption function. Under such conditions, a fal...