The B.E. Journal of Theoretical Economics

Published by De Gruyter

Volume 9 Issue 2

November 2009

Issue of The B.E. Journal of Theoretical Economics

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Contents
Journal Overview

Topics Article

November 23, 2009

Relative Satisfaction and Welfare Maximizing Wealth Distribution

Alex Coram, Lyle Noakes

Article number: 0000102202193517041513

Abstract

Suppose individuals get utilities from the total amount of wealth they hold and from their wealth relative to those above and below them in a near neighbourhood. This paper studies the distribution of wealth that maximizes an additive welfare function made up of these utilities. It shows that the optimal distribution mostly requires an egalitarian solution if the concern is with those above. If the concern is with those below it has some unexpected properties.

About this journal

Objective
The B.E. Journal of Theoretical Economics (BEJTE) welcomes submissions in all areas of economic theory, both applied and pure theory, as well as submissions on economic experiments that feature substantial theory components. The journal especially welcomes novel approaches and interdisciplinary work on economic theory. The editors of the BEJTE understand that novel and interdisciplinary approaches may be difficult to evaluate, that their relationship to standard approaches may not be entirely clear yet, and that not all potential applications of such novel and interdisciplinary have been fully developed yet. Pure theory papers to be published in the BEJTE include, but are by no means limited to, those in behavioral economics, decision theory, game theory, general equilibrium theory, information economics, mechanism design, matching theory, networks, and entirely new fields yet to be created. Applications could encompass, but are not restricted to, contract theory, financial economics, industrial organization, internet economics, labor economics, law and economics, personnel economics, public finance, and novel applications yet to be developed.

Topics

behavioral economics
decision theory
game theory
general equilibrium theory
information economics
mechanism design
contract theory
matching theory
social networks

Article formats
BEJTE recently switched from the previous four-tier system (Frontiers, Advances, Contributions, and Topics) to a two-tier system. Besides "Research Articles" we publish now also "Notes", which typically are more concise manuscripts.

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