This paper provides a complete set of local duality results for a utility maximizing consumer (or single output cost minimizing firm). Given a continuous local expenditure function defined on a compact, convex set of positive prices we establish the existence of continuous local direct, indirect utility and distance functions. This procedure avoids troublesome continuity problems at the boundary of R^N+. In addition it is shown that if two utility functions are second order approximations at some point, then their respective expenditure, distance, and indirect utility functions are also second-order approximations to each other at some point. This latter result provides additional impetus for using duality theory and substantial justification for the use of "flexible" functional forms which can provide second-order differential approximations to any twice continuously differentiable function at a point.
MLA
Blackorby, Charles, and W. E. Diewert. “Expenditure Functions, Local Duality, and Second Order Approximations.” Econometrica, vol. 47, .no 3, Econometric Society, 1979, pp. 579-602, https://www.jstor.org/stable/1910407
Chicago
Blackorby, Charles, and W. E. Diewert. “Expenditure Functions, Local Duality, and Second Order Approximations.” Econometrica, 47, .no 3, (Econometric Society: 1979), 579-602. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1910407
APA
Blackorby, C., & Diewert, W. E. (1979). Expenditure Functions, Local Duality, and Second Order Approximations. Econometrica, 47(3), 579-602. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1910407
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Kate Ho, the John L. Weinberg Professor of Economics and Business Policy at Princeton University and a Fellow of the Econometric Society. Kate was a brilliant IO economist and scholar whose impact on the profession will resonate for many years to come.
By clicking the "Accept" button or continuing to browse our site, you agree to first-party and session-only cookies being stored on your device. Cookies are used to optimize your experience and anonymously analyze website performance and traffic.