Chapter 3: Problem 4

Our economy does a very good job with respect to (LO2) a) both equity and efficiency b) equity, but not efficiency c) efficiency, but not equity d) neither equity nor efficiency

Short Answer

Expert verified

Due to the inherent trade-offs between equity and efficiency, and without further concrete economic data or indicators, it's difficult to definitively answer this question. However, in the context of a theoretical high-performing economy, the most likely answer might be (c) efficiency, but not equity. This is because efficiency is often prioritized for economic growth, and equity usually requires redistribution mechanisms that could potentially compromise efficiency.

Step by step solution

Understanding the fundamentals

In economics, equity refers to the fairness in the distribution of wealth among the constituents of an economy. Efficiency, on the other hand, refers to the optimal production and allocation of resources given existing factors of production.

Look at real-world scenarios

In a real-world economy, there is often a trade-off between these two goals. For instance, to increase equity by redistributing income from wealthy to poor could decrease efficiency, as it could disincentivize the wealthy from working hard, thus leading to lesser total economic output.

Analyzing each option

Now let's look at each option: a) both equity and efficiency: It's rare for an economy to excel in both as boosting one usually leads to a decrease in the other. b) equity, but not efficiency: This would suggest a strong redistribution system that promotes fairness but might not maximize economic output. c) efficiency, but not equity: This would suggest an economy that maximizes economic output but might not distribute wealth equally. d) neither equity nor efficiency: This refers to an economy that is neither efficient nor fair in its economic operations.

Formulate the final answer

Due to the inherent trade-offs between equity and efficiency, and given that the question does not provide a specific context, the answer to the question largely depends on one's perspective on the current state of the economy. Therefore, one can't definitively answer this question without further concrete economic data or indicators. In the context of a theoretical high-performing economy, the most likely answer might be (c) efficiency, but not equity, considering that efficiency is often prioritized for economic growth, and equity usually requires redistribution mechanisms that could potentially compromise efficiency.

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