Valuing the Unique: The Economics of Singularities - Couverture souple

Karpik, Lucien

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 0691137102 ISBN 13 : 9780691137100

Editeur : Princeton University Press, 2010

Synopsis

In this landmark work of economic sociology, Lucien Karpik introduces the theory and practical tools needed to analyze markets for singularities. Singularities are goods and services that cannot be studied by standard methods because they are multidimensional, incommensurable, and of uncertain quality. Examples include movies, novels, music, artwork, fine wine, lawyers, and doctors. Valuing the Unique provides a theoretical framework to explain this important class of products and markets that for so long have eluded neoclassical economics.

With this innovative theory--called the economics of singularities--Karpik shows that, because of the uncertainty and the highly subjective valuation of singularities, these markets are necessarily equipped with what he calls "judgment devices"--such as labels, brands, guides, critics, and rankings--which provide consumers with the credible knowledge needed to make reasonable choices. He explains why these markets are characterized by the primacy of competition by qualities over competition by prices, and he identifies the conditions under which singularities are constructed or are in danger of losing their uniqueness.

After demonstrating how combinations of the numerous and multiform judgment devices can be used to identify different market models, Karpik applies his analytical tools to the functioning of a large number of actual markets, including fine wines, movies, luxury goods, pop music, and legal services.

A propos du livre

À propos de l'auteur

Lucien Karpik is a sociologist at the École des Mines and the Centre Raymond Aron (EHESS) in Paris. His books include French Lawyers: A Study in Collective Action, 1274-1994 and, with Terence C. Halliday and Malcolm M. Feeley, Fighting for Political Freedom: Comparative Studies of the Legal Complex and Political Liberalism.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Princeton University Press
• Date d'édition: 2010
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0691137102
• ISBN 13: 9780691137100
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 288
• Coordonnées du fabricant: Princeton University Press; https://press.princeton.edu/books; ; 7th Floor, New South Building; PRINCETON; NJ; 8544; Etats-Unis
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