The standard literature on the value of life relies on Yaari’s (1965) model, which includes an implicit assumption of risk neutrality with respect to life duration. To overpass this limitation, we extend the theory to a simple variety of nonadditively separable preferences. The enlargement we...

This paper analyzes what can be learned about the value of a statistical life (VSL) using the hedonic wage model. The time series variation of cross sectional estimates, along with the endogeneity of risk choices and the absence of adequate instruments recommends moving to panel data analysis....

Since its expansion in the late 60s to the present the amount of transplant performed has increased slowly but steadily. However, the demand for organs to be transplanted has risen at a considerably higher rate creating a widening gap between the demand and supply for organs. In several cases,...

Venice (Italy) is built on several islands inside a lagoon. It undergoes a periodical �ooding phenomenon, called "Acqua Alta" (AA). A system of mobile dams, called Mo.S.E., is currently under construction to protect it. When needed, several fl�oodgates will be lifted to separate the lagoon...

This module illustrates how Generalised Lorenz (GL) Curves can be used to identify the best income distribution on social welfare grounds, within a set of alternative income distributions generated by different policy options, in many of the cases where ordinary Lorenz curves fail to work After...

The commonwealth cannot be equated with the state nor can the common good of society be sustained by government action alone. Rather, the activities of all members of society are crucial importance. Such private sector activities also define the development of national healthcare markets in the...

This paper provides evidence for the effectiveness of performance pay to government workers and how performance pay interacts with demand-side information. In an experiment covering 145 child day-care centres, I implement three separate treatments. First, I engineer an exogenous change in...

This paper describes an energy efficient housing stimulus strategy that can: (1) quickly provide large-scale job creation; (2) reduce home energy bills by 30% to 50% with associated reductions in emissions and energy assistance spending; (3) stabilize home values and reduce foreclosure...

Previous estimates of childhood lead poisoning prevention benefits have quantified the present value of some health benefits, but not the costs of lead paint hazard control or the benefits associated with housing and energy markets. Because older housing with lead paint constitutes the main...

This paper analyzes the welfare effects of a public smoking ban in bars. We construct a model that captures crucial features of bar life: competing bars, social interaction, and heterogenous preferences for a smoking ban. Smokers and non-smokers simultaneously choose a bar given their...