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Boadway, Robin. 2010. "Efficiency and Redistribution: An Evaluative Review of Louis Kaplow's
The Theory of Taxation and Public Economics."
,
48(4): 964-79.
Show Article Details
DOI: 10.1257/jel.48.4.964
Abstract:Louis Kaplow proposes a two-step methodology for normative policy analysis and illustrates it using various policy reforms. The first step is to identify efficiency gains when
hypothetical lump-sum taxes can undo redistributive consequences. The second step evaluates the redistributive effects using a strictly welfaristic social welfare function. I critically review the foundations for Kaplow's procedure and its reliance on strict
welfarism. I argue that basing efficiency gains on hypothetical lump-sum tax adjustment can lead to social welfare reducing policies if such tax adjustments are not carried out. I also indicate some conceptual problems with translating welfarism into
policy evaluation when individuals have different utility function, and review one promising alternative approach.(JEL H20, H41, H50)
Authors:
Boadway, Robin (Queen's U, Kingston)
JEL Classifications:
H20: Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue: General
H41: Public Goods
H50: National Government Expenditures and Related Policies: General
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