Microeconomics:
Microeconomics:
4th Edition
ISBN: 9781464143878
Author: Paul Krugman
Publisher: Worth Publishers
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Chapter 14, Problem aWYWL
To determine

What is Oligopoly and why does it occur.

Concept Introduction:

An industry with only few sellers is known as an oligopoly.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

A monopoly is one firm, duopoly is two firms and oligopoly is two or more firms. Oligopoly is that kind of market structure in which the decisions of one firm are influenced by the decisions of other firms. An oligopoly isn’t necessarily made up of large firms. It includes a number of small firms, with few sellers, each seller is likely to be aware of the actions of others. Oligopolies are the price makers rather than price takers. Due to high barriers to entry, it becomes difficult for new firms to enter the market. The primary reason because of which oligopolies came into existence was because of large investment of capital. Since the market was dominated by existing sellers who were price makers, it was difficult for new firms to enter the market and invest huge sums of capital to and distinguish its product from the prevailing ones. Many oligopolies have occurred by the combination or merger of two or more independent firms. Mergers resulted in higher market share. Also, as there is high entry barrier, firms may not choose to enter into the market and make losses. To distinguish its product from the existing product, the firm will have to bear huge expenses and may not be able to make profits in the short run. Owing to all these reasons, oligopolies came into existence.

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