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What Are the Different Types of Market Economy?

Osmand Vitez
Osmand Vitez

An economy is the central environment where individuals buy, sell, or trade goods and services. Many types of economies exist, such as local, market, and command, among others in between. The different types of market economy include market oriented, emerging, and free market. Market-oriented economies are either just beginning or mixed with a central planner; emerging markets tend to be opening up to free market principles; and free market economies are established economies with little or no government intervention. Most kinds of market economy will go through these phases at some time.

Market-oriented economies tend to start once the local economy begins to grow. For example, a barter system, or one where a communal economy exists, may move to a market-oriented economy. These types of market economy also occur where a strong central government exists. Even though a market economy system is in place, the government or other central agent controls the resources, both in distribution and in use. Market principles are still in play, although individuals do not always — if ever — have the ability to act in their own self-interests for economic reasons.

A statue of Deng Xiaoping, the Chinese politician who introduced the socialist market economy in China.
A statue of Deng Xiaoping, the Chinese politician who introduced the socialist market economy in China.

Emerging market economies begin to organize in a larger fashion. Many young countries can have several small, local markets that engage in economic trades. An emerging market economy begins when all of these smaller markets combine and the nation begins to grow and expand its opportunities. The protection of private property is typically a central piece of an emerging market economy. Here, individuals are able to keep the rewards they earn from economic activities, giving them the ability to better themselves and their families.

Under the free market system, countries are able to trade by importing and exporting goods to each other.
Under the free market system, countries are able to trade by importing and exporting goods to each other.

Free markets are the ultimate situation among the different types of market economy. In this stage, individuals and the nation in which the economy exists act in their own self-interests, which are key tenets for expanding internationally. The nation typically set up standards for trade — both imports and exports — with other countries in order to expand. Through these actions, the economy continues to grow and offers low-cost goods and services. Though the top level of market economies, there is still room for growth and expansion.

Some locations might be considered as being in the first stage of economic growth, with limited use of technology.
Some locations might be considered as being in the first stage of economic growth, with limited use of technology.

Market economies typically fall under the principles of the business cycle. These stages are growth, peak, contraction, and trough. Each economy moves through these stages at some point. The length and frequency, however, depends on the types of market economy in the nation.

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Discussion Comments

stoneMason

@donasmrs-- A completely free or open market economy doesn't really exist. What people refer to when they say free market economy is actually a mixed economy. Because a small amount of government regulation is always necessary.

SarahGen

@donasmrs-- A command economy and a planned economy are the same thing. These terms can be use interchangeably. It basically refers to an economy where the government regulates and determines everything. It determines what manufacturers will produce, how much they will produce and what the price will be.

A market economy is where the market determines all these factors on its own. Supply and demand determine price. The higher the demand for a product, the more that product will be produced. The relationship between the two will determine price which changes based on demand and supply.

There is also competition, which encourages manufacturers to produce better goods at lower prices and to produce unique goods that consumers will want. This is how a market economy encourages economic growth and development.

donasmrs

What is the difference between a command economy and a planned economy?

And how would we define a free national market? The article talked about it in context of international trade and the global market, but I was wondering about the national aspect.

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    • A statue of Deng Xiaoping, the Chinese politician who introduced the socialist market economy in China.
      By: kameramann
      A statue of Deng Xiaoping, the Chinese politician who introduced the socialist market economy in China.
    • Under the free market system, countries are able to trade by importing and exporting goods to each other.
      By: corepics
      Under the free market system, countries are able to trade by importing and exporting goods to each other.
    • Some locations might be considered as being in the first stage of economic growth, with limited use of technology.
      By: francoisloubser
      Some locations might be considered as being in the first stage of economic growth, with limited use of technology.
    • Distribution of resources to areas like the military often occurs in the final stage of economic growth.
      By: Oleksii Nykonchuk
      Distribution of resources to areas like the military often occurs in the final stage of economic growth.