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The social welfare function and individual responsibility: Some theoretical issues and empirical evidence

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  • Dolan, Paul
  • Tsuchiya, Aki

Abstract

The literature on income distribution has attempted to evaluate different degrees of inequality using a social welfare function (SWF) approach. However, it has largely ignored the source of such inequalities, and has thus failed to consider different degrees of inequity. The literature on egalitarianism has addressed issues of equity, largely in relation to individual responsibility. This paper builds upon these two literatures, and introduces individual responsibility into the SWF. Results from a small-scale study of people's preferences in relation to the distribution of health benefits are presented to illustrate how the parameter values of a SWF might be determined.

Suggested Citation

  • Dolan, Paul & Tsuchiya, Aki, 2009. "The social welfare function and individual responsibility: Some theoretical issues and empirical evidence," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 28(1), pages 210-220, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jhecon:v:28:y:2009:i:1:p:210-220
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    References listed on IDEAS

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