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Households production in State and stateless societies: three tales and one letter

Author

Listed:
  • Francesco Angelini

    (University of Bologna)

  • Guido Candela

    (University of Bologna)

  • Massimiliano Castellani

    (University of Bologna
    The Rimini Centre for Economic Analysis)

Abstract

Interpreting three tales based on the words of Hume, Hobbes, and Nozick, and a letter by Vilfredo Pareto, we present a comparative analysis of household production in several societies with and without State. The community we analyse is formed by two households, which may either follow a selfish or an altruistic logic. Furthermore, unless the stateless community has a common defence against external marauders or implements protection in cases of bad weather, the household production can be stolen or damaged. The society with State is ruled by a Government that can be either partisan or bipartisan. The economic analysis of the private and public choice of this community allows us to compare the efficiency and inequality of several configurations of society, as depicted by classical political economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Angelini & Guido Candela & Massimiliano Castellani, 2020. "Households production in State and stateless societies: three tales and one letter," International Review of Economics, Springer;Happiness Economics and Interpersonal Relations (HEIRS), vol. 67(1), pages 31-45, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:inrvec:v:67:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s12232-019-00341-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s12232-019-00341-w
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    1. Sergio Beraldo & Luigino Bruni, 2020. "Special Issue: Happiness, Capabilities, and Opportunities," International Review of Economics, Springer;Happiness Economics and Interpersonal Relations (HEIRS), vol. 67(1), pages 1-3, March.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Stateless society; Partisan and bipartisan State; Protection agency; Production;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods

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