Necessity

Definition

Necessity refers to an essential or indispensable item or service that is required for an individual or society to function and meet basic needs. It is a fundamental concept in the context of price elasticity of demand and pricing strategies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Necessity products are goods or services that consumers cannot easily substitute or do without, such as food, water, and housing.
2. The demand for necessity products is generally inelastic, meaning the quantity demanded is less responsive to changes in price.
3. Firms can charge higher prices for necessity products due to the inelastic demand, as consumers have a limited ability to reduce their consumption.
4. The supply of necessity products is also often inelastic, as producers have limited ability to quickly increase or decrease production in response to price changes.
5. Understanding the concept of necessity is crucial in determining pricing strategies, as firms can maximize revenue by charging higher prices for necessity products.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of necessity relates to price elasticity of demand.
  • The concept of necessity is closely tied to price elasticity of demand. Necessity products are goods or services that consumers cannot easily substitute or do without, such as food, water, and housing. The demand for these products is generally inelastic, meaning the quantity demanded is less responsive to changes in price. Consumers have a limited ability to reduce their consumption of necessity products, even if prices increase. This inelastic demand allows firms to charge higher prices for necessity products and still maintain sales volume.
• Describe the relationship between necessity and price elasticity of supply.
  • The concept of necessity also has implications for price elasticity of supply. The supply of necessity products is often inelastic, as producers have limited ability to quickly increase or decrease production in response to price changes. This is because the factors of production for necessity goods, such as land, labor, and capital, are often fixed or difficult to adjust in the short run. The inelastic supply of necessity products means that producers have less flexibility to adjust output levels based on price fluctuations, which can further contribute to the ability of firms to charge higher prices for these goods.
• Analyze how the understanding of necessity can inform pricing strategies for firms.
  • The understanding of necessity is crucial in determining effective pricing strategies for firms. Since the demand for necessity products is generally inelastic, firms can charge higher prices for these goods and still maintain sales volume. This allows firms to maximize revenue by capitalizing on the limited ability of consumers to substitute or reduce their consumption of necessity products. Additionally, the inelastic supply of necessity goods means that producers have less flexibility to adjust output levels in response to price changes, further enabling firms to set higher prices. By recognizing the concept of necessity and its implications for price elasticity, firms can develop pricing strategies that optimize revenue and profitability.

Related terms

Price Elasticity of Demand:

The measure of how responsive the quantity demanded of a good or service is to a change in its price, with all other factors held constant.

Price Elasticity of Supply:

The measure of how responsive the quantity supplied of a good or service is to a change in its price, with all other factors held constant.

Elasticity and Pricing: The relationship between the price elasticity of demand or supply and the pricing strategies a firm can employ to maximize revenue or profit.