Un caso di oligopsonio collusivo. Il mercato dei bozzoli in Calabria (1865-1930): istituzioni e organizzazioni

This essay critically analyses an empirical case of an oligopsonistic market, applying
an institutionalist approach to highlight the strategies implemented by individuals and organisations
– both public and private – aimed at correcting its distortions. While referring to the
theoretical-economic dynamics typical of oligopsony, the essay focuses on a specific experience,
to be read and interpreted in historical perspective. Incorporating themes of cultural belief,
values and mental models, human capital, distributive conflict, public and private strategies,
rules, incentives, disincentives and accidental factors in the analysis, this research could go well
beyond the evaluation of efficiency. The combined use of qualitative and quantitative sources
allows informational asymmetries among the actors to be highlighted and it allows strategies
employed to be evaluated.