When analyzing the effects of a wage increase on hours worked, we consider two main effects: the substitution effect and the income effect.
- The substitution effect suggests that as wages increase, working becomes relatively more attractive compared to leisure, leading individuals to work more hours.
- The income effect indicates that an increase in wages increases overall income, allowing individuals to consume more goods and leisure, potentially leading them to work fewer hours.
Given that consumption and leisure are both normal goods, if the income effect dominates the substitution effect, it would mean that the increase in income from higher wages encourages individuals to take more leisure (work less) because they can afford to do so.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
A. The income effect dominates the substitution effect.