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HomeHomework HelpeconomicsGovernment Subsidies and Externalities

Government Subsidies and Externalities

Government subsidies are financial aids provided by the government to encourage certain activities that can internalize externalities, which are costs or benefits not reflected in market prices. In this context, the subsidies help align marginal private costs with marginal social costs, leading to a socially optimal level of output, such as increasing the quantity of trees planted. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for analyzing how government interventions can correct market failures and enhance overall social welfare.

intermediate
2 hours
Economics
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Overview

Government subsidies play a vital role in supporting various sectors of the economy, helping to promote public welfare and correct market failures. By providing financial assistance, governments can encourage production in areas that benefit society, such as education and healthcare. However, subsid...

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Key Terms

Subsidy
A financial aid provided by the government to support a specific industry or activity.

Example: The government offers subsidies to farmers to encourage food production.

Externality
An unintended side effect of an economic activity that affects third parties.

Example: Pollution from a factory is a negative externality affecting nearby residents.

Market Failure
A situation where the allocation of goods and services is not efficient.

Example: Market failure occurs when externalities are present.

Public Goods
Goods that are non-excludable and non-rivalrous, meaning they are available for everyone to use.

Example: National defense is a public good.

Positive Externality
A beneficial effect of an economic activity that affects third parties positively.

Example: Education creates a positive externality by benefiting society.

Negative Externality
A harmful effect of an economic activity that affects third parties negatively.

Example: Traffic congestion caused by increased car usage is a negative externality.

Related Topics

Market Structures
Study of different types of market systems and their characteristics.
intermediate
Public Policy
Examination of government policies and their impact on the economy.
intermediate
Environmental Economics
Focus on the economic effects of environmental policies and regulations.
advanced

Key Concepts

SubsidiesExternalitiesMarket FailurePublic Goods