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Towards a conceptual framework in unitary economics: An extension of a proposition after John O'Brien

  • Bo Öhlmer
  • , Jesuthason Thampapillai
  • , Lim Boon Tiong

Publication: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

Abstract

We develop a simple framework from within microeconomics to illustrate the welfare benefits of supporting altruism in an economy. The framework is based on an adapted theory of consumer behavior where an individual is exposed to the pursuit of altruistic and self-fulfilling egoistical goals. We also distinguish between two types of welfare benefits that emerge from the pursuit of these different goals and demonstrate the presence of a welfare benefit transformation frontier. The framework permits the evaluation of policy instruments such as tax incentives and legislations to promote altruistic behavior
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)868-876
Number of pages8
JournalInternational Journal of Social Economics
Volume32
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2005

Keywords

  • Altruism
  • Economic policy
  • Microeconomics
  • Social benefits
  • Social welfare

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