📚 Learning Guide
Externalities in Economics
hard

How can the provision of subsidies for public goods affect social welfare in the presence of positive externalities?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Subsidies can decrease social welfare by increasing costs.

B

Subsidies can enhance social welfare by encouraging production.

C

Subsidies have no impact on social welfare.

D

Subsidies only benefit private individuals, not society.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

Subsidies for public goods can greatly improve social welfare, especially when there are positive externalities involved. Positive externalities occur when a good or service benefits people who do not directly pay for it, like education or clean air. By providing subsidies, the government can lower the cost of these public goods, making them more accessible to everyone. For example, if the government subsidizes public parks, more people may visit and enjoy the benefits of nature, which can lead to healthier communities and happier citizens. Overall, these subsidies encourage the provision and use of public goods, enhancing overall well-being in society.

Detailed Explanation

Subsidies help lower the cost of producing public goods. Other options are incorrect because Some might think subsidies raise costs for society; It's a common belief that subsidies don't change anything.

Key Concepts

social welfare
subsidies
public goods
Topic

Externalities in Economics

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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