The Generalized Theory of Transfers and Welfare: Exogenous (policy-Imposed) and Endogenous (Transfer-Induced) Distortion

S-Tier
Journal: Quarterly Journal of Economics
Year: 1985
Volume: 100
Issue: 3
Pages: 697-714

Score contribution per author:

2.681 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This paper reconsiders the welfare effects of a transfer payment in a two-commodity world with two agents (countries), by taking the presence of exogenous and endogenous distortions into account. When there is an exogenous tax-cumsubsidy on production, consumption, or trade, the analysis demonstrates that a transfer may paradoxically enrich the donor and immiserize the recipient under certain specific conditions. These welfare paradoxes are also shown to be possible if the transfer endogenously induces "directly unproductive profit-seeking" activity of lobbyists. Concluding remarks emphasize the paper's relevance for policymakers.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:oup:qjecon:v:100:y:1985:i:3:p:697-714.
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-24