Econometrica

Journal Of The Econometric Society

An International Society for the Advancement of Economic
Theory in its Relation to Statistics and Mathematics

Edited by: Guido W. Imbens • Print ISSN: 0012-9682 • Online ISSN: 1468-0262

Econometrica: May, 2019, Volume 87, Issue 3

Understanding Preferences: “Demand Types”, and the Existence of Equilibrium with Indivisibilities

https://doi.org/10.3982/ECTA13693
p. 867-932

Elizabeth Baldwin, Paul Klemperer

An Equivalence Theorem between geometric structures and utility functions allows new methods for understanding preferences. Our classification of valuations into “Demand Types” incorporates existing definitions (substitutes, complements, “strong substitutes,” etc.) and permits new ones. Our Unimodularity Theorem generalizes previous results about when competitive equilibrium exists for any set of agents whose valuations are all of a “demand type.” Contrary to popular belief, equilibrium is guaranteed for more classes of purely‐complements than of purely‐substitutes, preferences. Our Intersection Count Theorem checks equilibrium existence for combinations of agents with specific valuations by counting the intersection points of geometric objects. Applications include matching and coalition‐formation, and the “Product‐Mix Auction” introduced by the Bank of England in response to the financial crisis.


Log In To View Full Content

Supplemental Material

Supplement to "Understanding Preferences: “Demand Types”, and the Existence of Equilibrium with Indivisibilities"

This appendix contains material not found within the manuscript.

Supplement to "Understanding Preferences: “Demand Types”, and the Existence of Equilibrium with Indivisibilities"

This zip file contains the replication files for the manuscript.

Journal News

View