Journal Facts

Journal
Journal of Environmental Systems
ISSN
0047-2433 (print) 1541-3802 (electronic)
Volume
1
Issue
1
Date
1/1/1971

Article Facts

Title
Individual and Societal Utility
DOI
10.2190/63CE-FV7V-RJNB-B1H0
Authors
  • David S. Alberts
  • Richard C. Clelland
Pages
19-36
Online Date
05/09/2002

Article Links

Individual and Societal Utility

David S. Alberts
Richard C. Clelland

DOI: 10.2190/63CE-FV7V-RJNB-B1H0

Abstract

Inherent in all social actions is a possible conflict between the goals of society at large and the individuals affected. This paper explores the extent of this conflict in the case of a welfare program. A methodology for constructing two measures of effectiveness is presented—one based upon the goals of the individual and the other upon those of a democratic society. The two measures are computed in approximate form within the context of two actual welfare programs and the results compared.

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