What is the difference between mercantility and mercantilism?

Definitions

- Describing the quality or characteristic of being mercantile. - Referring to a focus on commercial or financial gain. - Talking about a business-oriented mindset or approach.

- Referring to an economic theory that emphasizes the importance of exports and accumulation of wealth. - Describing a system of trade and commerce that seeks to benefit the home country at the expense of others. - Talking about a protectionist policy that restricts imports and promotes domestic production.

List of Similarities

  • 1Both words are related to commerce and trade.
  • 2Both words have roots in the word 'merchant'.
  • 3Both words emphasize the importance of financial gain.
  • 4Both words can be used to describe economic systems or policies.

What is the difference?

  • 1Definition: Mercantility refers to a quality or characteristic, while mercantilism refers to an economic theory or system.
  • 2Focus: Mercantility focuses on individual or corporate behavior, while mercantilism focuses on national economic policy.
  • 3Scope: Mercantility is a broader term that can refer to any aspect of commercial activity, while mercantilism specifically refers to a historical economic theory.
  • 4Connotation: Mercantility has a neutral or positive connotation, while mercantilism can have a negative connotation due to its association with protectionism and exploitation.
  • 5Usage: Mercantility is less common and more specialized than mercantilism, which is a well-established term in economics and history.
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Remember this!

Mercantility and mercantilism are related terms that both relate to commerce and trade. However, mercantility refers to a quality or characteristic of being business-oriented or focused on financial gain, while mercantilism refers to an economic theory or system that emphasizes the importance of exports and accumulation of wealth. Mercantilism is a well-established term in economics and history, while mercantility is a less common and more specialized term.

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