Chapter 3: Market
Introduction
A market in economics denotes a system or arrangement facilitating the interaction between buyers and sellers for the exchange of goods and services. Not limited to physical locations, markets can occur in any setting.
Meaning of Market
The term market transcends physical spaces; it encompasses any structure where:
- There's demand from buyers
- Supply from sellers exists
- Prices are determined through their interaction.
Types of Markets (Based on Competition)
- Perfect Competition: Characterized by numerous buyers and sellers, homogeneous products, free entry and exit, and perfect market awareness, resulting in price takers.
- Monopoly: A single seller dominates the market with no close substitutes and high barriers to entry, serving as a price maker. Examples include railways and electricity in certain regions.
- Monopolistic Competition: Features many sellers with slightly differentiated products and some ability to influence prices through branding and advertising, as seen in toothpaste and clothing brands.
- Oligopoly: Defined by a few large sellers, these markets exhibit interdependence, with potential homogeneous or differentiated products, often leading to price rigidity, such as mobile networks.
Features of Different Market Structures
Feature |
Perfect Competition |
Monopoly |
Monopolistic Competition |
Oligopoly |
Number of sellers |
Many |
One |
Many |
Few |
Nature of product |
Homogeneous |
Unique |
Differentiated |
Either |
Entry & exit |
Free |
Restricted |
Relatively easy |
Restricted |
Price control |
None |
Complete |
Some |
Partial |
Competition |
Perfect |
None |
High |
Limited |
Importance of Markets
Markets are vital for:
- Price determination through the dynamics of demand and supply.
- Efficient resource allocation.
- Fostering competition, innovation, and enhancing service quality.
- Connecting producers with consumers.