Non-parametric Engel curves and revealed preferences

Richard Blundell (), Martin Browning and Ian Crawford

No W97/14, IFS Working Papers from Institute for Fiscal Studies

Abstract: This paper applies revealed preference theory to the nonparametric statistical analysis of consumer demand. Knowledge of expansion paths is shown to improve the power of nonparametric tests of revealed preference. The tightest bounds on indifference surfaces and welfare measures are derived using an algorithm for which revealed preference conditions are shown to guarantee convergence. Nonparametric Engel curves are used to estimate expansion paths and provide a stochastic structure within which to examine the consistency of household level data and revealed preference theory. An application is made to a long time series of repeated cross-sections from the Family Expenditure Survey for Britain. The consistency of these data with revealed preference theory is examined. For periods of consistency with revealed preference, tight bounds are placed on true cost of living indices.

JEL-codes: C14 C43 D12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 48 pp.
Date: 1997-05-01
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Nonparametric Engel Curves and Revealed Preference (2003)
Working Paper: Nonparametric Engel Curves and Revealed Preference (2002)
Working Paper: Nonparametric Engel Curves and Revealed Preference (1998)
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