Neoclassical Microeconomics
- Focus: Emphasizes the rationality of individuals and the role of market forces in allocation of resources.
- Assumptions: Assumes perfect competition, perfect information, and rational economic agents who maximize their own utility or profit.
- Methods: Uses mathematical models and optimization techniques to analyze individual behavior and market outcomes.
- Key Concepts: Marginalism, utility maximization, profit maximization, equilibrium, efficiency.
- Limitations: May not capture real-world complexities such as bounded rationality, information asymmetry, and market imperfections.
Modern Microeconomics
- Focus: Extends neoclassical analysis by incorporating real-world complexities and behavioral phenomena.
- Assumptions: Relaxes some neoclassical assumptions and considers imperfect competition, asymmetric information, and bounded rationality.
- Methods: Incorporates experimental economics, psychology, and game theory to study economic behavior.
- Key Concepts: Behavioral economics, game theory, information economics, market design.
- Advantages: Provides a more realistic understanding of economic decision-making and market outcomes.
Key Differences
| Feature | Neoclassical | Modern |
|---|---|---|
| Assumptions | Perfect competition, perfect information, rational agents | Imperfect competition, asymmetric information, bounded rationality |
| Focus | Rationality and market forces | Real-world complexities and behavioral phenomena |
| Methods | Mathematical models and optimization | Experimental economics, psychology, game theory |
| Key Concepts | Marginalism, equilibrium, efficiency | Behavioral economics, game theory, information economics |
| Limitations | May oversimplify real-world behavior | Can be more complex and less generalizable |