The Economic Theory of Product Differentiation [Paperback]

This book provides a systematic explanation and analysis of the widespread prevalence of differentiated products in modern market economies.Economic theories explaining the prevalence of differentiated products in market economies are used to derive market equilibria and to compare to social optima for horizontally and vertically differentiated products.Economic theories explaining the prevalence of differentiated products in market economies are used to derive market equilibria and to compare to social optima for horizontally and vertically differentiated products.This book presents economic theories that seek to explain the prevalence of differentiated products in market economies. It uses these theories to derive market equilibria and to compare these to social optima for both horizontally and vertically differentiated products. The implications of product differentiation for market structure and power, strategic entry deterrence and international trade are all examined.Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Spatial models of imperfect competition; 3. Symmetric preferences, the Chamberlinian paradigm; 4. Product diversity and product selection: market equilibria and social optima; 5. Product quality and market structure; 6. Vertical product differentiation; 7. Product differentiation and market imperfection: limit theorems; 8. Product differentiation and the entry process; 9. The gains from trade under product differentiation; Notes; Bibliography; Indexes.