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Allocative fairness

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  • Hersch, Gil
  • Rowe, Thomas

Abstract

Questions of fair allocation arise regularly throughout our lives, ranging from the trivial to the significant, for governments, private companies, associations, families, and friends. This article discusses the nature of allocative fairness, which is focused on the fair distribution of divisible and indivisible goods. The recent literature on allocative fairness takes John Broome's discussion of fairness as the proportional treatment of claims as its starting point. On this view, a claim is a reason why an individual ought to receive a good. This article discusses the nature of allocative fairness, claims, and goods. The most prominent allocative procedures in the literature are discussed, including equal allocation, equitable allocation, markets, lotteries, and queues.

Suggested Citation

  • Hersch, Gil & Rowe, Thomas, 2025. "Allocative fairness," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 128181, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:128181
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/128181/
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    6. Mas-Colell, Andreu & Whinston, Michael D. & Green, Jerry R., 1995. "Microeconomic Theory," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780195102680.
    7. Gil Hersch, 2023. "Procedural Fairness in Exchange Matching Systems," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 188(2), pages 367-377, November.
    8. Satz, Debra, 2012. "Why Some Things Should Not Be for Sale: The Moral Limits of Markets," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199892617.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D61 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Allocative Efficiency; Cost-Benefit Analysis

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