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Public Policy Toward Pecuniary Externalities

Author

Listed:
  • Randall G. Holcombe

    (Florida State University)

  • Russell S. Sobel

    (West Virginia University)

Abstract

Pecuniary externalities create third-party effects through changes in relative prices or asset prices. Unlike technological externalities, they do not misallocate resources and are necessary for the market to work efficiently. However, the political process does not differentiate pecuniary from technological externalities and often tries to prevent pecuniary externalities, which creates resource misallocations. The article shows how pecuniary externalities function in markets, why the political process takes account of pecuniary externalities, and why public policy toward pecuniary externalities results in resource misallocations.

Suggested Citation

  • Randall G. Holcombe & Russell S. Sobel, 2001. "Public Policy Toward Pecuniary Externalities," Public Finance Review, , vol. 29(4), pages 304-325, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:pubfin:v:29:y:2001:i:4:p:304-325
    DOI: 10.1177/109114210102900402
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Lusk, Jayson L., 2013. "Lunch with Pigou: Externalities and the “Hidden” Cost of Food," Agricultural and Resource Economics Review, Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association, vol. 42(3), pages 1-17, December.
    4. James McClure & Tyler Watts, 2016. "The Greatest Externality Story (N)ever Told," The American Economist, Sage Publications, vol. 61(2), pages 157-177, October.
    5. Oliver Fritz, 2016. "Tourismusförderungen in Wien," WIFO Studies, WIFO, number 59381, April.
    6. Mann, Stefan & Wustemann, Henry, 2008. "Multifunctionality and a new focus on externalities," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 293-307, February.
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