📚 Learning Guide
Monopsony in Labor Markets
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In a monopsony labor market, what effect does the employer's control over wages typically have on employment levels?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Employment levels may decrease due to lower wages offered.

B

Employment levels remain constant regardless of wage changes.

C

Employment levels may increase as the employer raises wages to attract more workers.

D

Employment levels are unaffected by the number of workers seeking jobs.

Understanding the Answer

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Answer

In a monopsony labor market, there is only one main employer for workers in a certain area or industry. This employer has significant control over wages because workers have fewer job options and may feel they have to accept lower pay. As a result, the employer can set wages below what would be considered fair in a competitive market, which can lead to fewer people being willing to work for that pay. For example, if a factory is the only employer in a small town and pays low wages, some workers might choose not to take a job there, leading to lower overall employment levels. Therefore, the employer's control over wages can create a situation where both wages and employment levels are reduced, affecting the economy and workers' livelihoods.

Detailed Explanation

In a monopsony, one employer has a lot of power. Other options are incorrect because Some might think lower wages mean fewer jobs; It's a common mistake to think wages don't affect jobs.

Key Concepts

Monopsony in Labor Markets
Wage Determination
Labor Supply and Demand
Topic

Monopsony in Labor Markets

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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