Econometrica Vol. 45 No. 1 1977
On the Foundations of the Theory of Monopolistic Competition
Abstract
[Available theorems establishing the existence of general equilibrium in models incorporating imperfectly competitive firms rely on the assumption that reaction curves are continuous functions (or convex-valued, upper hemi-continuous correspondences). However, this property has not been derived from conditions on the fundamental data of tastes, technology, and maximizing behavior. We show here that continuity may fail even in extremely simple cases, with the result that equilibrium price and/or quantity choices fail to exist. The non-pathological nature of the examples we present suggests the need for a fundamental re-examination of the way our partial and general equilibrium models of monopolistic competition fit together.]
- DOI
- 10.2307/1913289
- Volume
- 45
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 101
- Sources
- bibtex:phds-export.bib crossref openalex