Market failure occurs when the allocation of goods and services by a free market is not efficient, leading to a net loss in social welfare. Several situations can lead to market failure, and key characteristics include:
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Externalities: When the actions of individuals or firms have effects (either positive or negative) on third parties that are not reflected in market prices. For example, pollution from a factory affects the health of nearby residents but is not considered in the factory's costs.
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Public Goods: These are goods that are non-excludable and non-rivalrous, meaning they are available for everyone to use without diminishing their availability to others. Examples include national defense and public parks.
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Information Asymmetry: When one party in a transaction has more or better information than the other, leading to an imbalance in the transaction. For instance, if a seller knows more about a product's quality than the buyer, it can lead to overpricing or underconsumption of the good.
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Market Power: This occurs when a single entity (like a monopolist) can control prices and supply, which can lead to higher prices and reduced availability of goods.
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Inequality: Markets do not always distribute resources in a manner that ensures equity or addresses the needs of the underprivileged. This can result in some individuals being unable to afford necessary goods and services, even if they are available.
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Poverty and Labor Markets: If markets fail to provide sufficient wages or opportunities for all workers, leading to a situation where a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, this is also considered market failure.
In summary, market failure occurs when individual actions do not lead to socially optimal outcomes, and as a result, society as a whole is worse off. This includes contexts where pursuing self-interest leads to negative consequences for the community, such as environmental degradation or economic inequality.
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