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Oligopsony and the Distribution of Wages

Author

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  • Venkataraman Bhaskar

    (Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo)

  • Ted To

    (University of Warwick)

Abstract

We present a simple model which is consistent with the evidence on wage dispersion, including persistent inter- and intra-industry wage differentials, and the effects of minimum wages on this distribution. Our model assumes that workers are equally able but have heterogeneous preferences for non-wage characteristics, while employers have heterogeneous productivity characteristics. This results in a model of labor market oligopsony where "inside" and "outside" forces interact in wage determination, with results which are consistent with the empirical evidence.

Suggested Citation

  • Venkataraman Bhaskar & Ted To, 1999. "Oligopsony and the Distribution of Wages," CIRJE F-Series CIRJE-F-42, CIRJE, Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo.
    • Handle: RePEc:tky:fseres:99cf42
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • J42 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Monopsony; Segmented Labor Markets
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets

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