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What is Economic System?

An economic system can be referred to as a system that encompasses the methods of production, distribution and exchange of goods and services (excluding their consumption). The different economic systems differ on the basis of means of establishment of ownership.

An economic system is an organized way wherein a country allocates resources and distributes items and services across the entire country or a given geographic vicinity. It consists of the aggregate of several establishments, entities, agencies, decision-making processes and styles of consumption that make up the economic structure of a particular community.

The aim of the economic system of a society is to determine what to produce, or a way to produce it, and for whom to distribute goods and services. The primary objective of an economic system is to provide human beings with a minimum standard of living or satisfactory life.

Types of Economic System

There are different types of economic systems used throughout the world. Broadly, they’re capitalist economic system, socialist economic system and mixed economic system. And each type of economic system has its very own strengths and weaknesses. we will discuss them in detail:

1. Capitalist Economy
2. Socialist Economy
3. Mixed Economy

Capitalist Economy

The capitalist economy is an economic system in which private individuals or businesses own capital goods. The production of goods and services is based on supply and demand in the general market known as a market economy.

This type of economy involves no governmental interference. There are many developing as well as developed nations which follow the capitalist economy system such as Germany, the U.S., etc.

Features of Capitalist Economy

The features of a capitalist economy are as follows:

1. Private Ownership: The capitalist economy is based on property rights and on the principle that the government should leave economic production to the private sector.
   
   
2. Capital Accumulation: The capitalist economy is a competitive system whereby capital is accumulated by individuals who are successful in the market.
   
   
3. Capital Concentration: In a capitalist system, capital typically becomes concentrated such that a relatively small number of people, known as a capitalist class, own much of the property in a nation.
   
   
4. Competition: Capitalistic economy relies on intensive competition to allocate resources efficiently, improve things and lower prices.
   
   
5. Welfare Capitalistic Economy: A pure form of capitalistic economy, known as a laissez-faire capitalistic economy is a survival of the fittest system where the government plays no role in the economy.
   
   
6. Wage Labor: In a capitalist system, much of the capital is usually owned by a small capitalist class. Most people in a capitalist system offer their labour to the market to earn a living.
   
   
7. Market Economy: The process of production, distribution and exchange under a capitalist economic system is governed by the market forces.

Socialist Economy

Socialism is an economic system where ownership and regulation are under the government. All the activities of production and other features like allocation of assets, consumption, distribution of income, investment pattern, and so on., are under the direction and control of the government. It is also referred to as the socialist or command economy.

In comparison to capitalism, socialism ensures public welfare and equality among people.

Features of Socialist Economy

The features socialist economy are as follows:

1. Collective Ownership: In a Socialistic economy, all means of production are owned by the community, i.e., the Government and no individual can hold private property beyond a certain limit. Therefore, it is a government which utilizes these resources in the interest of social welfare.
   
   
2. Economic, Social and Political Equality: under a Socialistic economic system, there’s almost equality between wealthy and poor. There is no problem with class struggle.
   
   
3. Economic Planning: Under a Socialistic economy, the government fixes certain objectives. In order to achieve these objectives, the government adopts economic planning.
   
   
4. Provision of Basic Needs: In a socialist economy, the basic needs of food, shelter, clothing, education, health and employment are provided by the government without any discrimination.
   
   
5. No Competition: Typically, when anybody wants to buy a car, there is limited choice. There are no different brands and different models with varying features and prices. In a socialistic economy, there is no competition in the market since the state is the sole entrepreneur.
   
   
6. Price Control: One might be wondering how prices are regulated in an economy without any market competition. In socialistic economies, the prices of products are controlled and regulated by the state.

Mixed Economy

A mixed economy combines the characteristics of both capitalism and socialism. it is a mixture of both public and private possession. A mixed economy gives private enterprises the liberty to function and develop but also allows government interference in subjects for preserving economic objectives.

The combination of government interference and the private sector varies from one nation to another. India is a mixed economy and comprises all the relevant characteristics of capitalism and socialism for the regulation and control of the economy

The decisions pertaining to economic planning and resource allocation are undertaken by the Central Government. The economy’s overall growth and development depend upon the achievement of its goals through collaborative efforts of both private and public firms.

Features of Mixed Economy

The main features of a mixed economy are as follows:

• Co-existence of the Private and Public Sectors: Co-existence of the private and public sectors is the outstanding feature of a mixed economy. certain industries might be in the public area and certain industries within the private sector.
  
  
• Existence of Joint Sector: A mixed economy also has a joint sector which is run jointly by the state and private enterprises.
  
  
• Regulation of Private Sector: Under a mixed economy, Government exercises strict control and regulation over private sector industries. Even though everyone is free to start a company or an industry as he desired as long as he/she follows rules and regulations.
  
  
• Private Property: Under a mixed economy, private firms and individuals have the right to own and use the property. But some restrictions have been imposed on private individuals so as restrict or prevent the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.
  
  
• Social Welfare: The principal aim of a mixed economy is to maximize social welfare. This feature incorporates the merits of a Socialistic economy and avoids the demerits of a capitalistic economy.

Difference Between Capitalist, Socialist, and Mixed Economy

The main differences between a Capitalist, Socialist, or Mixed Economy are as follows:

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