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HomeHomework HelpeconomicsMarket Failures and Government Role

Market Failures and Government Role

Market failures occur when free markets allocate resources inefficiently, leading to negative outcomes such as monopolies, which can charge higher prices due to lack of competition. In such cases, government intervention is necessary to promote efficiency and equity, through measures like breaking up monopolies or regulating industries. Understanding market failures and the various roles of government is crucial in Economics as it highlights the balance between free markets and the need for regulation to protect consumers and ensure fair competition.

intermediate
3 hours
Economics
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Overview

Market failures occur when the free market fails to allocate resources efficiently, leading to negative outcomes for society. Common causes include externalities, public goods, monopolies, and information asymmetry. Understanding these failures is crucial for recognizing when government intervention...

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Key Terms

Externality
A side effect of an action that affects others who did not choose to be involved.

Example: Pollution from a factory affecting nearby residents.

Public Good
A good that is non-excludable and non-rivalrous, meaning it is available for everyone to use.

Example: National defense.

Monopoly
A market structure where a single seller controls the entire market.

Example: Local utility company.

Information Asymmetry
A situation where one party has more or better information than the other.

Example: Used car sales where the seller knows more about the car's condition than the buyer.

Free Rider Problem
When individuals benefit from resources they do not pay for, leading to under-provision of those resources.

Example: Public parks used by people who do not contribute to their maintenance.

Subsidy
A financial assistance given by the government to encourage the production of a good.

Example: Government subsidies for renewable energy.

Related Topics

Public Policy
Study of how government decisions affect economic and social outcomes.
intermediate
Behavioral Economics
Explores how psychological factors influence economic decision-making.
intermediate
Game Theory
Analyzes strategic interactions among rational decision-makers.
advanced

Key Concepts

ExternalitiesPublic GoodsMonopoliesInformation Asymmetry