The Economic Analysis of Public Policy

A critical analysis of public policy decisions requires a far greater depth of knowledge than can be received from news reports and political speeches. Issues such as how best to reduce traffic congestion, reduce acid rain, improve airline safety or develop a parcel of land are better understood by organizing, measuring and weighing the effects of alternative policies. The Economic Analysis of Public Policy is the ideal introduction to benefit-cost analysis, the economics of efficiency, risk analysis and present value, and is suitable for those with only a modest background in mathematics and economics.

This second edition of the book has been rigorously updated throughout, in terms of examples and data references, issues covered, and layout and pedagogical features. The new edition contains extra material on loss aversion, global warming, technology, and US health care reform, as well as a wider range of international examples. In addition to a new, clearer layout, students will also benefit from the new companion website, which will include additional resources such as end of chapter questions, critical thinking exercises and further reading.

Autorentext

William K. Bellinger is Professor of Economics at Dickinson College, Pennsylvania.

Inhalt

Section I: Introduction and Review of Economic and Ethical Concepts Chapter 1: The Meaning of Policy Analysis Chapter 2: A Review of Markets and Rational Behavior Chapter 3: Ethics for Policy Analysts Section II: Economics for Policy Analysts Chapter 4: Efficiency and Imperfect Markets Chapter 5: Efficiency and the Role of Government Section III: Tools for Analyzing Public Policy Chapter 6: Benefit-Cost Analysis Chapter 7: Net Benefits over Time and Present Value Chapter 8: Choosing a Discount Rate Chapter 9: Risk and Uncertainty Chapter 10: Life, Health, and Health Care Chapter 11: Economic Impact Analysis Section IV: Public Policy Cases Chapter 12: Urban Transportation Chapter 13: Pollution Control Policy Chapter 14: Poverty and Income Support Policies Chapter 15: Policies for the Working Poor: Training, Worker Subsidies and the Minimum Wage