There are different forms of socialism but for this blog will use the form of democratic socialism advocated by Socialist parties in Western Europe. For example, Nordic countries where government spending is between 40-50% of GDP. This brand of socialism believes in: Redistribution of income and wealth through a progressive tax system and welfare state. …
This is a collection of diagrams for supply and demand. It is mainly for my benefit, so when creating a post, like the price of tea (or when I’m teaching online) I can easily find a suitable diagram to illustrate what is happening. Demand curve A contraction on the demand curve is due to higher …
Taxes on negative externalities are intended to make consumers/producers pay the full social cost of the good. This reduces consumption and creates a more socially efficient outcome. If a good has a negative externality, without a tax, there will be over-consumption (Q1 where D=S) because people ignore the external costs. 1. Diagram – Taxes on …
Definition – A mixed economy means that part of the economy is left to the free market, and part of it is managed by the government. Mixed economies start from the basis of allowing private enterprise to run most businesses. Then the governments intervene in certain areas of the economy, such as providing public services …
Subsidies involve the government paying part of the cost to the firm; this reduces the price of the good and should encourage more consumption. A subsidy shifts the supply curve to the right and can be justified for goods which offer benefits to the rest of society. What is the justification for subsidising goods with …
Externalities occur when producing or consuming a good cause an impact on third parties not directly related to the transaction. Externalities can either be positive or negative. They can also occur from production or consumption. For example, just driving into a city centre, will cause external costs of more pollution and congestion to those living …
Readers question: Are subsidies more effective than minimum prices when supporting farmers? Subsidies involve governments giving money direct to farmers. A minimum price is when the government ensures a legal price that prices cannot fall below that level. Minimum prices will increase incomes for farmers. Farming can see volatile prices because supply can vary and …
What policies can a government use to reduce pollution? Pollution is a negative externality – a cost to society. To reduce pollution, the government can use four main policies – tax to raise the price, subsidise alternatives, regulations to ban certain pollutants and pollution permits. Government policies to reduce pollution Tax. e.g. Carbon tax, which …