A market structure characterized by a large number of small firms, similar but not identical products sold by all firms, relative freedom of entry into and exit out of the industry, and extensive knowledge of prices and technology. This is one of four basic market structures. The other three are perfect competition, monopoly, and oligopoly. Monopolistic competition approximates most of the characteristics of perfect competition, but falls short of reaching the ideal benchmark that IS perfect competition. It is the best approximation of perfect competition that the real world offers.

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The quiet, peaceful town of Shady Valley has always been a great place for a pedestrian to wander through the workings of the economy. I'm afraid, though, that it's about to end. I've been offered another job -- an opportunity to wander around the streets of the distant mecca of Shady Lane to search out the mysteries of plant pathology. In Shady Lane, the sidewalks are smoother, the crosswalks are better, and the pay is much more lucrative. However, in that Shady Lane is in another time zone and several states away, migration would be my last topic of the day. There's a lot to be gained from this potential relocation of my residence, but it's not without cost. While I ponder this decision, perhaps you can help out by considering the topic of migration.
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Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time flipping through the yellow pages looking to buy either a handcrafted bird house or a weathervane with a chicken on top. Be on the lookout for high interest rates.
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This isn't me! What am I?

-- Tom Bradley, former Los Angeles mayor

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