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  • Divergence in Work-Leisure Choices Amidst Rising Living Standards

Limitations of the Ceteris Paribus Assumption in Work-Leisure Models

Simple economic models for analyzing work-leisure choices are built on the ceteris paribus ('other things equal') assumption. This simplification is a key limitation, as it intentionally omits important real-world variables like cultural norms and political changes. Consequently, while the model provides a foundational understanding, it cannot fully account for historical and cross-country variations in working hours where these omitted factors play a significant role.

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Economics

Introduction to Microeconomics Course

The Economy 2.0 Microeconomics @ CORE Econ

Ch.3 Doing the best you can: Scarcity, wellbeing, and working hours - The Economy 2.0 Microeconomics @ CORE Econ

Related
  • Model of Constrained Choice (Decision Making Under Scarcity)

  • Hypothesis: Income Inequality Explains Cross-Country Differences in Work Hours

  • Time Use Studies

  • Explaining Cross-Country Work-Hour Differences via Wages vs. Preferences

  • Limitations of the Ceteris Paribus Assumption in Work-Leisure Models

Learn After
  • An economist uses a simple model that only considers how wage changes affect an individual's choice between consumption and free time. The model predicts that as a country's average wage rises, its citizens will work fewer hours. However, when comparing two countries with similar histories of strong wage growth, the economist finds that working hours decreased significantly in one country but remained high in the other. Which of the following best explains the model's failure to predict the outcome in both countries?