In: Economics
Distinguish between a centrally planned economy and a market economy.
Centrally planned economy
In a centrally planned economy, all the major economic decisions are taken by the government.
The government owns the means of production and distribution.
Prices are set by the government
An example of a centrally planned economy would be North Korea.
Market economy
In a market economy, the various economic decisions are left to the free market or the laws of supply and demand.
Private ownership of the means of production and distribution
Prices are determined by the relative demand and supply of the products.
An example of a market economy would be South Korea.
In a centrally planned economy, major economic decisions are made by a central authority. Centrally planned economies stand in contrast to market economies where large numbers of individual consumers and profit-seeking private firms operate most or all of the economy.