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International Trade - Theory and Policy, 2010a

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5.15 The Specific Factor Model: Overview<br />

LEARNING OBJECTIVE<br />

1. Learn the basic assumptions <strong>and</strong> results of the specific factor (SF) model.<br />

The specific factor (SF) model was originally discussed by Jacob Viner, <strong>and</strong> it is a variant of the Ricardian<br />

model. Hence the model is sometimes referred to as the Ricardo-Viner model. The model was later<br />

developed <strong>and</strong> formalized mathematically by Ronald Jones (1971) [1] <strong>and</strong> Michael Mussa (1974) [2] . Jones<br />

referred to it as the two-good, three-factor model. Mussa developed a simple graphical depiction of the<br />

equilibrium that can be used to portray some of the model’s results. It is this view that is presented in<br />

most textbooks.<br />

The model’s name refers to its distinguishing feature—that one factor of production is assumed to be<br />

“specific” to a particular industry. A specific factor is one that is stuck in an industry or is immobile<br />

between industries in response to changes in market conditions. A factor may be immobile between<br />

industries for a number of reasons. Some factors may be specifically designed (in the case of capital) or<br />

specifically trained (in the case of labor) for use in a particular production process. In these cases, it may<br />

be impossible, or at least difficult or costly, to move these factors across industries. SeeChapter 4 "Factor<br />

Mobility <strong>and</strong> Income Redistribution", Section 4.2 "Domestic Factor Mobility" <strong>and</strong> Chapter 4 "Factor Mobility <strong>and</strong><br />

Income Redistribution", Section 4.3 "Time <strong>and</strong> Factor Mobility" for more detailed reasons for factor<br />

immobility.<br />

The SF model is designed to demonstrate the effects of trade in an economy in which one factor of<br />

production is specific to an industry. The most interesting results pertain to the changes in the<br />

distribution of income that would arise as a country moves to free trade.<br />

Basic Assumptions<br />

The SF model assumes that an economy produces two goods using two factors of production, capital <strong>and</strong><br />

labor, in a perfectly competitive market. One of the two factors of production, typically capital, is assumed<br />

to be specific to a particular industry—that is, it is completely immobile. The second factor, labor, is<br />

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/books<br />

Saylor.org<br />

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