📚 Learning Guide
Monopsony and Marginal Analysis
hard

In a monopsony market structure, which of the following statements accurately reflect the implications for labor markets? Select all that apply.

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Choose the Best Answer

A

The monopsonist can lower wages below the equilibrium level without losing all workers.

B

The marginal factor cost to the monopsonist is equal to the supply curve of labor.

C

Monopsony can lead to inefficiencies in the labor market, resulting in a lower total welfare.

D

Workers in a monopsony are always better off due to the increased demand for labor.

E

The monopsonist's profit maximization occurs where marginal cost equals marginal revenue product.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

In a monopsony market structure, there is only one buyer of labor, which gives that buyer significant power over wages and employment conditions. This means that the employer can set lower wages than in a competitive market, as workers have fewer options for employment. For example, if a small town has only one factory that hires workers, that factory can pay less because people have nowhere else to go for jobs. As a result, workers might earn lower wages and face less favorable working conditions compared to a market with many employers. Overall, monopsony leads to a less competitive labor market, affecting both the wages workers receive and the number of jobs available.

Detailed Explanation

Other options are incorrect because Some might think a monopsonist can pay less and still keep workers; It's a common mistake to think the cost of hiring workers is the same as the supply curve.

Key Concepts

Monopsony
Marginal Factor Cost
Labor Market Efficiency
Topic

Monopsony and Marginal Analysis

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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