Limitations of Microeconomics
Microeconomics studies individual units, hence, it cannot provide the complete overview of the whole economy. The scope of microeconomics is limited and the study of microeconomics is based on many assumptions. There is no doubt about its importance but there are several limitations in microeconomics.
Microeconomics Limitations
Generalization
Microeconomics studies individuals and generalizes the conclusion to the economy. The aggregation of decisions and choices made by the individuals may not reflect the system as a whole.
This individual to economy inference can be misleading. Microeconomics excessively generalizes the choices/behavior of individuals to the economy. This limits the scope of microeconomics.
Unrealistic and Static Assumptions
The first concept we learn in economics is ‘Ceteris Paribus” . Ceteris Paribus means all other things remaining constant. Microeconomics starts with this assumption. We evaluate the concepts and theories in microeconomics in isolation i.e. we study a variable keeping other variables constant. This is not the ideal case. Static analysis is
Similarly, Laissez Faire is another unrealistic assumption in microeconomics. There are dependent and independent factors and intervention is ideal in the real economy. Similarly, there are concepts like perfect conditions, full employment etc. in microeconomics but all these concepts are based on unrealistic assumptions.
The concept of marginality
Marginality is an important concept in microeconomics. Marginal utility, marginal product, marginal revenues etc. are important concepts in economics. These concepts are easy to interpret in paper but are difficult to realize the principle of marginalism in real life.
Marginal analysis makes decisions based on the projected results rather than actual results. If the data is fetched for analyzing marginality, the marginal analysis will prove to be worthless.
Inadequate Data
Microeconomics study the behavior of an individual or an entity. The data are collected from the behavior and choices made by such individuals and entities. Also behavior is difficult to predict and may vary from individual to individual. It is difficult to get the correct information. Hence, inadequate and incorrect data may provide inaccurate results.
Macroeconomic factors ignored
Microeconomics and macroeconomics combinedly studies the economy as a whole. Microeconomics generally keep the macroeconomic factor constant while interpreting. Macro factors like inflation, interest rate, policies affect the individual behavior and are responsible for choices but such factors are never considered while defining the microeconomic concepts.
References
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