Abstract: The paper explores the relationship between markets, space, and infrastructure through an interdisciplinary lens. There are two competing conceptualizations of space, i.e., the Cartesian space and the social space as conceived by Lefebvre (1974). Economics assumes that markets operate over Cartesian space. To explore the relationship between market and space, we break down market transactions into its four spatial flows, i.e., the flow of information about the price and quality of the goods and the actual flow of goods and money between buyers and sellers. We define market space as a contiguous social space between all potential buyers and sellers through which these four spatial flows occur. Our main argument is that the pre-requisite for a well-functioning market is a market space that has public good characteristics. Further, we use the notion of Lefebvrian social space to understand the key role transport and telecommunication infrastructure play in creating a conducive market space that can support the markets and explore why some remote areas are not able to access certain markets.

Short Bio of the Speaker

Dr Aniket obtained his Bachelor's in Economics from Hindu College and his Master's in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics. He obtained his PhD from LSE in 2007. After LSE, Dr Aniket spent a decade as a Cambridge Don. At Cambridge, Dr Aniket was the Director of Studies for Economics at Trinity College, Murray Edwards College, and Newnham College. He was also a Trustee of Murray Edwards College and served on its Governing Council from 2013 to 2017. Dr Aniket is currently a Research Fellow in the Faculty of Built Environment at University College London. Dr Kumar Aniket works on the interface of Economics, Philosophy, and Built Environment. As he grew up, Dr Aniket watched Delhi radically transform itself before his eyes. It drew him to explore the links between Economics, Philosophy, and the Built Environment.

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