Learn Before
  • The Role and Limitations of Quasi-Linear Preferences in Externality Models

Marginal External Cost in a General Utility Model

In a general utility model where preferences are not necessarily quasi-linear, the marginal external cost (MEC) is the marginal reduction in an individual's utility caused by an incremental increase in the externality-producing activity (Q). Mathematically, it is expressed as MEC=โˆ’โˆ‚uโˆ‚QMEC = -\frac{\partial u}{\partial Q}. A key distinction from quasi-linear models is that this MEC is generally a function of both the activity level (Q) and the affected individual's other income (mfm_f). This means, for instance, that the marginal harm experienced by fishermen from pollution may vary depending on whether their other income is high or low.

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Introduction to Microeconomics Course

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