What does the marginal propensity to consume (MPC) measure?

The marginal propensity to consume (MPC) measures the change in consumption that results from a change in income. This concept is crucial in economics as it helps to understand how households allocate their disposable income between consumption and savings. When people's income increases, the MPC indicates what fraction of that increase will be spent on consumption. For example, if someone receives an extra $100 in income and chooses to spend $80 of it, their MPC would be 0.8. This insight is essential for predicting consumer behavior and helps policymakers assess the potential impact of fiscal stimulus measures on economic activity. Understanding MPC allows economists to analyze how various factors, such as tax cuts or subsidies, could influence overall economic growth through changes in consumer spending.