What is the definition of a 'market economy'?

A market economy is defined as an economic system where the forces of supply and demand dictate the production and pricing of goods and services. In this type of economy, individual decisions made by consumers and producers interact to shape market conditions. Prices are established through competition and consumer preferences, allowing for a more efficient allocation of resources based on what people want and need.

In contrast to other systems, such as those where the government intervenes heavily to control prices or production (as seen in command economies), a market economy emphasizes voluntary exchanges and the role of markets in balancing supply with demand. This flexibility encourages innovation and responsiveness to consumer desires, making it a dynamic and adaptable system. It is the essence of how many modern economies operate, providing insights into consumer behavior and economic trends.

The other options describe various economic concepts that do not encapsulate the essence of a market economy. For example, government-controlled prices indicate a different kind of economic structure, while barter systems and agriculture-based economies represent more primitive or limited types of economic organization.