Public policy and the quality of life : market incentives versus government planning

Bibliographic Information

Public policy and the quality of life : market incentives versus government planning

Randall G. Holcombe

(Contributions in economics and economic history, no. 161)

Greenwood Press, 1995

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Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. [181]-186) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

This volume argues that the virtues of the market system, private property, and freedom of exchange can be applied to enhance the quality of life. Although people recognize in the abstract that markets work better than government in allocating resources, government's presence in the economy increases as government intervenes to deal with different problems. This book shows how the market mechanism that has enhanced material well-being is better suited than government planning to improve the quality of life. After examining general principles guiding both market and government allocation of resources, the book then examines specific policy issues, including environmental protection, health care, regulation of product quality, and land use planning. The book first examines the general principles that guide both market and government allocation of resources to show why market mechanisms work better than government planning to enhance the quality of life. Then specific policy issues are examined to provide examples of how market forces can be harnessed to improve the quality of life. Some of those issues are environmental protection, health care, the regulation of product quality, and land use planning.

Table of Contents

Preface Introduction Planning versus Markets Protecting Future Resources Protecting the Environment Growth Management and Land Use Housing and Homelessness The Regulation of Quality Standards Health Care Health Insurance and Public Health The Drug Problem Responsibility: Public and Private Bibliography Index

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