|
|
NATURAL MONOPOLY: A special type of monopoly that's able to lower its price when it produces and sells a larger quantity. This somewhat remarkable ability results because a natural monopoly uses a great deal of capital. In that capital carries an up front cost that must be paid regardless of production, a natural monopoly can spread these costs over larger quantity--if it produces more. The larger the quantity sold, the lower the cost for each unit. A single natural monopoly is thus able to produce and supply a good at a lower cost, and price, than two or more firms. In other words, if two or more firms try to supply the same good, the market will "naturally" end up with just one.
Visit the GLOSS*arama
|
|
|
|
                           SECOND ESTATE: Another term for the business sector. This is one of four divisions of society based on economic function. The other three are government as the first estate, consumers as the third estate, and journalists as the fourth estate. The notion of dividing society into different "estates" has roots in 18th century France, in which clergy and religious leaders were considered the first estate, royalty and aristocracy were the second estate, and peasants, serfs, and the working class were viewed as the third estate. Inventive journalists extended this classification to include themselves as the fourth estate.The modern estates retain the essence of this division with an update to the realities of the modern economy. Government leaders and politicians, rather than clergy, assume their position in the first estate. Business leaders, rather than royalty, take over rule of the second estate. Rank-and-file consumers and those in the working class make up the third estate. And journalists continue as the fourth estate. In past centuries, the second estate included kings, queens, dukes and others of the ruling elite. In modern times, this includes business leaders who have extensive ownership of and control over resources, especially capital, entrepreneurship, and land. The interests of the second estate are usually in direct conflict with the consumers and workers of the third estate. In that the second estate tends to have more economic and political clout, they also tend to get the upper hand in most conflicts. Help for consumers may come from the government leaders of the first estate or the watchdog journalists of the fourth estate. The wealth and power of the second estate invariably infiltrates the first and fourth estates, as well. Consider the case of Winston Smythe Kennsington III, the President and CEO of OmniConglomerate, Inc. Winston was born and bred by his father Winston Smythe Kennsington II to take over control of OmniConglomerate, Inc., a company that was founded by Winston Smythe Kennsington I. Winston (III) has never been involved in anything other than seeking to improve the corporate bottom line. Winston Smythe Kennsington III is a card-carrying member of the second estate.
Recommended Citation:SECOND ESTATE, AmosWEB Encyclonomic WEB*pedia, http://www.AmosWEB.com, AmosWEB LLC, 2000-2019. [Accessed: May 22, 2019].
Check Out These Related Terms... | | | | |
Or For A Little Background... | | | | | | | | | |
And For Further Study... | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Related Websites (Will Open in New Window)... | | | | |
Search Again?
Back to the WEB*pedia
|
|
|
GRAY SKITTERY
[What's This?]
Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time strolling through a department store wanting to buy either a bottle of blackcherry flavored spring water or a travel case for you toothbrush. Be on the lookout for small children selling products door-to-door.
Your Complete Scope
This isn't me! What am I?
|
|
|
Woodrow Wilson's portrait adorned the $100,000 bill that was removed from circulation in 1929. Woodrow Wilson was removed from circulation in 1924.
|
|
|
"Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think." -- Horace, Ancient Roman poet
|
|
AFC
Average Fixed Cost
|
|
|
Tell us what you think about AmosWEB. Like what you see? Have suggestions for improvements? Let us know. Click the User Feedback link.
User Feedback
|
|
