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Demand Cycles and Heterogeneous Conformity Preferences

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  • Baumann, L.

Abstract

The paper analyzes the dynamics of demand for three options when agents differ in their preferences for conformity. Each agent seeks to imitate others who are more individualistic and to distinguish herself from others who are more conformist, relative to herself. In each period, every agent chooses her utility-maximizing option given each agent's demand in the previous period. It is shown that for a large class of initial demand distributions, demand dynamics resemble fashion cycles: Total demand for each option over time is wave-like, and, when positively demanded, an option trickles through the entire population, from individualistic towards conformist agents.

Suggested Citation

  • Baumann, L., 2019. "Demand Cycles and Heterogeneous Conformity Preferences," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 1922, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
    • Handle: RePEc:cam:camdae:1922
    Note: lb714
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    File URL: http://www.econ.cam.ac.uk/research-files/repec/cam/pdf/cwpe1922.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Pesendorfer, Wolfgang, 1995. "Design Innovation and Fashion Cycles," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 85(4), pages 771-792, September.
    2. Paola Manzini & Marco Mariotti, 2007. "Sequentially Rationalizable Choice," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 97(5), pages 1824-1839, December.
    3. Kiminori Matsuyama, 1991. "Custom Versus Fashion: Hysteresis and Limit Cycles in a Random Matching Game," Discussion Papers 940, Northwestern University, Center for Mathematical Studies in Economics and Management Science.
    4. Karni, Edi & Schmeidler, David, 1990. "Fixed Preferences and Changing Tastes," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 80(2), pages 262-267, May.
    5. Ariely, Dan & Levav, Jonathan, 2000. "Sequential Choice in Group Settings: Taking the Road Less Traveled and Less Enjoyed," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 27(3), pages 279-290, December.
    6. Kiminori Matsuyama, 1991. "Custom Versus Fashion: Path-Dependence and Limit Cycles in a Random Matching Game," Discussion Papers 1030, Northwestern University, Center for Mathematical Studies in Economics and Management Science.
    7. Field, George A., 1970. "The status float phenomenon The upward diffusion of innovation," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 13(4), pages 45-52, August.
    8. Corneo, Giacomo & Jeanne, Olivier, 1999. "Segmented communication and fashionable behavior," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 39(4), pages 371-385, July.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    fashion cycle; demand cycle; conformity; individuality; dynamics; distribution of demand;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E71 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on the Macro Economy
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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