What is Micro Economics? Its definition, scope or main issues, importance and limitations

 

Economics has two branches

1.     Micro economics

2.     Macro economics

Micro economics

Definition

The word micro and macro was first time use by ranger Frisch.

The word micro means very small or little part of economics.

Define by different economist

“Micro economics deal with the division of total output among the firms” (ackley)

“Micro economics is the study of actions of individuals” (boulding)

“Micro economics is infact a macroscopic study of the economy” (Maurice obb)

  Precise definition is study of the trees not the forest. For example individual demand and supply not whole economy’s demand and supply.



Main issues or scope of micro economics

Price theory

Price theory determines the demand and supply and equilibrium of demand and supply. With the help of price mechanism, all these are under capitalism is performed. The goal of producer and consumer is profit maximization and utility maximization.

Theory of consumer behavior

In theory of consumer behavior, we study:

1.      Cardinal approach (utility approach) presented by Marshal

2.      Ordinal approach (indifference curve) presented by j.r hicks

Production

There are four factor of production:

1.      Land

2.      Labour

3.      Capital

4.      Organization (entrepreneur)

In this part, we study the least cost combination and best factor of production.

Theory of firm behavior

Same as a consumer, the firm also desires to achieve the equilibrium; this is connected with the cost minimization (TC) and revenue Maximization (TR).

These two situations are also identified as firm optimal factor of combination.

There are two approaches:

Classical approach= classical marginal productivity theory

Neoclassical approach= isoquants theory and isocost theory (The meaning of iso is equal)

Theory of cost and revenues

We study different types of cost of production in micro economics with short run and long run point of view. Moreover, microeconomics also studies different types of revenues.

Theory of market structure and behavior

As we know different types of market, namely:

1.      Perfect combination

2.      Monopoly

3.      Oligoply

4.      Dupoly

5.      Monopolistic combination

As regards to these conditions, how firm make decision is analyzed here.

Theory of national income distribution

The national income of a country is the outcome of combine effort of factor of production. National income has to be distributed amongst these factors and for this purpose here are two theories. First one is classical theory and second one is neoclassical theory.

Income of these factors as:

Land= rent

Labour= wages

Capital= interest

Organization= profit

Importance of Micro Economics

Micro economics is a significant method of economic investigation. Micro economics has both practical and theoretical significance.

To understand how’s the economy work

Micro economics play a significant part to understanding the functioning of a free enterprise economy. In this economy, there is no agency to coordinate and plan the functioning of the economic system. These decisions are like how to produce, what to produce and for whom to produce, how to distribute and what to consume are taken by the consumers and producers without any external force.   So the micro economics helps us to understand the working efficiency of the economy.

Economic policies formulation

With the help of micro economics, the state formulate correct price polices and estimate them in suitable perspective. The analytical tools for evaluating the economic policies of the government are provided by micro economics. Market mechanism or price is the instrument which helps us in this respect.

Efficient use of Resources

Resources has employed efficiently with the help of micro economics. The modern governments faced the problem of efficient allocation of the resources among competing ends. Thus, micro economics helps in using of efficient resources and growth achievement with stability.

Guidance provide for business executive

Guidance provides for business executive by micro economics, in the attainment of maximum level of productivity through employing the given resources. A business executive is able to identify the consumer demand and determine the costs of product with the study of micro economics.

Problems of Taxation

The problem of taxation is also studying with the help of micro economics. Welfare implication of a tax is explained by micro economics. It is also studies the distribution of incidence of a product between seller and consumer.

Useful in international trade

Micro economics study is very helpful in the field of international trade. Micro economics is used to explain the gains from international trade, balance of payment dis-equilibrium and the foreign exchange rate determination.

The basis for forecasting:

Basis for forecasting in future is provides by micro economic. It does not mean that it will allow us to predict the future. Rather it will allow the possessor to make conditional forecasting.

Uses of model and its construction

The study of micro economics enables us to construct and uses simple models for the understanding of actul economic phenomena. As regard to see how prices are established and how resources are allocated to different uses.

Limitations of Micro Economics

Micro economics study is not free from certain restrictions, regardless of its uses.

Unrealistic method of economic study

 The study of micro economics is an unrealistic method of economic analysis. The reason is based on unrealistic assumption of full employment.

Assumption of laissez-fair

The micro economic analyses based on the assumption of unrealistic laissez-fair. This assumption had ended at the time of great depression of the 1930’s.

Study of parts

Micro economics neglects the study of whole economy; it is just concerned with the study of parts.

Misleading in analysis

The study of micro economics is not just sufficient but also misleading in analyzing a number of economic problems.

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