Behavioral Economics and U.S. Antitrust Policy

Posted by Social Science Research Network

Behavioral Economics and U.S. Antitrust Policy Elizabeth M. Bailey (University of California)

Abstract: Modern day antitrust policy is grounded firmly in neoclassical economics. It is important, however, to test whether the modelling assumptions accord with the facts. It is also important to assess whether behavior that deviates from the conventional assumptions is systematic and persistent. If the relevant facts suggest that consumers or firms might behave in ways that depart from conventional assumptions, then private parties, government agencies and the courts should consider alternate economic models that account appropriately for the observed behavior.