Household Sector Economics

Subject 316-825 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Three hours per week of seminars and class discussions (Not offered in 2009).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Subject Overview:

This subject provides and advanced course in theory and applied research on the economics of the household sector of the economy. Topics include: new theories of household economics, household demography, the diffusion of new household technology, the input-output structure of household production and leisure activities, national accounts of household production, and household time use and expenditure data.

Objectives: On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
  • Explain the role of households as producers;
  • Describe the structure, organisation and management of household production;
  • Explain the construction of satellite accounts of household production and the estimation of Gross Household Product (GHP);
  • Demonstrate the macroeconomic size of the household economy in countries at different stages of development;
  • Evaluate the theoretical basis of the "new" household economics and the factors influencing the choices between paid work, unpaid work and leisure;
  • Explain the roles of technology and demography in determining changes in household productive activities;
  • Apply household expenditure and time use data to model various explanations of household production and consumption.
Assessment:

An empirical assignment totalling no more than 3000 words (40%) and a final research essay of no more than 5000 words (60%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Evaluation of ideas, views and evidence
  • Synthesis of ideas, views and evidence
  • Critical thinking
  • Application of theory to economic policy and business decision making
  • Accessing economic and other information
  • Summary and interpretation of information
  • Statistical reasoning
  • Written communication
  • Oral communication
Notes:

Not offered in 2009.

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