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The Disvalue of 'Contingent Valuation' and the Problem of the 'Expectation Gap'

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  • Laura Westra

Abstract

'Contingent Valuation' is a method often used to make decisions about environmental issues. It is used to elicit citizens' preferences at the location of a specific facility, new road and the like. I argue that even if we could elicit a truly informed and 'free' choice, the method would remain flawed, as 1) all 'local' activity also has far-reaching environmental consequences; 2) majority decisions may support chices that adversely affect minorities; 3) even with full information, consenting to harms like significant alterations of our normal functioning or health, or genetic mutations, may not be morally acceptable.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Westra, 2000. "The Disvalue of 'Contingent Valuation' and the Problem of the 'Expectation Gap'," Environmental Values, White Horse Press, vol. 9(2), pages 153-171, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:env:journl:ev9:ev907
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    risk assessment methods; citizens' choices; global impacts; minority rights;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • Q26 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Recreational Aspects of Natural Resources

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