Key points
- Demand curves can shift. Changes in factors like average income and preferences can cause an entire demand curve to shift right or left. This causes a higher or lower quantity to be demanded at a given price.
- Ceteris paribus assumption. Demand curves relate the prices and quantities demanded assuming no other factors change. This is called the ceteris paribus assumption. This article talks about what happens when other factors aren't held constant.
What factors affect demand?
We defined demand as the amount of some product a consumer is willing and able to purchase at each price. That suggests at least two factors in addition to price that affect demand.
Willingness to purchase suggests a desire, based on what economists call tastes and preferences. If you neither need nor want something, you will not buy it. Ability to purchase suggests that income is important. Professors are usually able to afford better housing and transportation than students because they have more income.
Prices of related goods can affect demand also. If you need a new car, the price of a Honda may affect your demand for a Ford. Finally, the size or composition of the population can affect demand. The more children a family has, the greater their demand for clothing. The more driving-age children a family has, the greater their demand for car insurance, and the less for diapers and baby formula.
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