For a social welfare function W = W(U1(M1); ... ; UH (MH )), where Mh is income the ‘‘social marginal utility of income’’ is defined by  for all h, show that the social marginal utility of income is decreasing in Mh for a utilitarian social welfare function. Use this to argue that a fixed stock of income will be distributed equally. Show that the argument extends to any anonymous and concave social welfare function when all consumers have the same utility function.

Economics:
10th Edition
ISBN:9781285859460
Author:BOYES, William
Publisher:BOYES, William
Chapter33: Income, Income Distribution, And Poverty
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 10E
icon
Related questions
Question

For a social welfare function W = W(U1(M1); ... ; UH (MH )), where Mh is income the ‘‘social marginal utility of income’’ is defined by  for all h, show that the social marginal utility of income is decreasing in Mh for a utilitarian social welfare function. Use this to argue that a fixed stock of income will be distributed equally. Show that the argument extends to any anonymous and concave social welfare function when all consumers have the same utility function.

 

Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps with 8 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Welfare Cost
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, economics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Economics:
Economics:
Economics
ISBN:
9781285859460
Author:
BOYES, William
Publisher:
Cengage Learning