In: Economics
Which of the following is a problem (from an efficiency perspective) with ration coupons as an approach to allocate goods in a shortage?
Group of answer choices
People who value the good the most, don’t get more of it than other people
The first people in line buy most of the goods
The government misses out on tax revenue
Prices go up
Which of the following is a problem (from an efficiency perspective) with ration coupons as an approach to allocate goods in a shortage?
Correct answer choice:
People who value the good the most, don’t get more of it than other people
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Reason:
When ration coupons are distributed, it is done equally. It is a way to promote equality.
However, there always exists a tradeoff between equality and efficiency.
This allocation is not efficient, because not everyone will derive the same marginal benefit out of each unit allocated. People who are the poorest will value it much more than slightly better off people.
Thus, to promote equality, efficiency is compromised.
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Why other options are wrong: