definitions and distinctions between market types and pricing rules.
Market Structure – Detailed Notes
1. Classification of Markets
Markets are classified based on:
• Number of sellers: One, few, or many.
• Nature of product: Homogeneous or differentiated.
• Entry/exit barriers: Easy or restricted.
• Price control: Whether firms are price takers or makers.
Main types:
• Perfect Competition
• Monopoly
• Monopolistic Competition
• Oligopoly
2. Markets Based on Competition
• Perfect Competition: Many sellers, identical products, free entry/exit.
• Monopoly: One seller, no close substitutes, high entry barriers.
• Monopolistic Competition: Many sellers, differentiated products, low entry
barriers.
• Oligopoly: Few dominant sellers, interdependent pricing, may be collusive or
competitive.
3. Theory of Firm
• Firms aim to maximize profit by choosing optimal output and pricing.
• Profit = Total Revenue – Total Cost.
• Decision depends on market structure and cost/revenue conditions.