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Market Economic System is an arrangement where all
the economic questions are answered by the price mechanism. Examples include; USA , Hong
Kong , South Korea
etc
Market Economy is also known by the following
names;
·
Market Mechanism
In the Market Economy the basic decisions about the
allocation of resources are determined by the market forces of demand and
supply.
·
Free Enterprise Economy
In the Market Economy economic activities are free
from government controls.
·
Capitalist Economy
Market Economy is so-called due to the rights of
ownership and control of resources possessed by individuals.
·
Laissez Fair Economy.
Features of
Market Economy
1.
Private Property Right
In a market economy, individuals have the right to
own and dispose of real assets. They also have the right to get income from
those properties in the form of rent, interest and profit.
2.
Freedom of Choice
In a Free Market Economy;
·
Individuals are free to setup in business for themselves.
·
Producers are free to respond to the consumer preferences.
·
Workers are free to enter and leave occupations.
·
Consumers are free to spend their income as they wish.
3.
Self Interest
Market Economy encourages people to do what is best
for them.
·
Firms try to maximize their profits.
·
Workers try to maximize their earnings.
·
Consumers try to maximize their satisfaction.
4.
Profit Motive
The main aim of production is to maximize profit.
5.
Price Mechanism
Price mechanism refers to the process by which
prices are determined by the market forces of demand and supply.
In a Laissez Fair Economy, resources are allocated
by the price mechanism. When demand for a particular good increases, it
will become more scarce and its price will increase. As it becomes more
profitable firms will use more resources for its production. When the demand
for a particular product falls its price falls and it becomes less profitable.
Few resources will be used for its production now.
In a Market Economy changes in price act as a
signaling device to producers and consumers causing them to change their plans.
6.
Consumer Sovereignty
Consumer Sovereignty refers to their ability to
determine what is produced by means of their purchases. Under Free Market
Economy, producers will produce only those goods which are demanded by
consumers. Hence, the consumers are treated as “uncrowned kings”.
7.
A very Limited Role for the Government
The government has very few economic functions to
perform in the Market Economy. It maintains defense and justice in the country.
Advantages of Market Economy
1.
It quickly responses consumer wants. It is the decisions of consumers
that influence production.
2.
Consumers get a wide range of goods. Producers are encouraged to produce
what consumers want due to the existence of Freedom of Enterprise.
3.
Profit motive encourages the use of better methods of production. It
would reduce the costs of production and prices.
4.
Economic Agents like consumers and producers have more freedom of
choice.
5.
It encourages competition between firms leading to greater efficiency.
6.
Foreign Investment is encouraged due to lower government intervention.
Disadvantages of Market Economy
1.
The existence of private property right and profit motive enables some
people to acquire excessive market power leading to greater inequalities in the
distribution of income and wealth.
2.
Factors of Production will be employed only if it is profitable to do
so.
3.
Market Economy is subject to booms and slumps. It creates uncertainty.
4.
Capitalist Economy does not fully take into account the social costs and
social benefits.
5.
It does not provide public goods and merit goods.
6.
Goods and services required by the poor may be under produced due to
their lack of purchasing power.
7.
Free Enterprise Economy may encourage the consumption of harmful goods.
8.
There is no guarantee that everyone who wants a job will be able to get
a job.
9.
Market dominations by giant firms limit competition and exploits
consumers.
