Verified Document

Solutions For The Alcohol Abuse Problem From Term Paper

¶ … solutions for the alcohol abuse problem from economists' point-of-view. The second section of the paper addresses the situation of prescription drugs and how they can affect the demand and supply of other products and services. The paper continues with a section that explains the relationship between supply modification and elasticity of demand, and between demand modifications and elasticity of supply. There is also a section that discusses increasing-costs industries. Another section of the paper address the conditions required for competitive markets to be economically efficient. There are several solutions that economists can offer when addressing the alcohol abuse problem. In this case, the problem is regarded as a negative externalities situation of the production and consumption of alcohol. The assumption in this case is that alcohol abuse is a negative externality because of its consequences, like drunk driving and the effects on consumers' health and on relationship with other individuals. The Coase theorem is one of the solutions that can be applied in this case. This means that the parties involved in the process and affected by alcohol abuse can negotiate compensatory benefits in accordance with their power of influence on decision makers and with the importance of consequences determined by this situation. The success of this solution also depends on the cost of negotiation. Another solution to this problem is represented by Pigouvian taxes and regulations. In this case, the level of established taxes must be similar to the value of the externality. Therefore, the variable that must be modified is represented by the taxes associated with alcoholic beverages. Regarding the marginal change, it is obvious that prices of alcohol...

Parts of this document are hidden

View Full Document
svg-one

As a response to such actions, individuals are likely to reduce consumption.
2. It has been observed that prescription drugs affect the demand and supply of other products and services. A higher demand of prescription drugs also determines an increased demand for doctors, pharmacists, and production facilities. This leads to increased demand for workforce in this field and to increased competition between producers, which determines smaller prices. In addition to this, an increased percentage of customers' income spent on prescription drugs leads to reduced demand for products and services like clothes, education, entertainment, and others. The increased prices of prescription drugs can determine reduced demand of these products. Furthermore, this can increase the demand for substitute products, like over-the-counter drugs.

3. The elasticity of demand is an important factor that must be analyzed in case of shifts in supply. In other words, it must be analyzed how demand is likely to modify in case supply increases or decreases. In case the supply increases the prices would normally reduce. In such cases, demand can also increase. In case the prices are not reduced, it is possible that demand will not increase. For example, if a larger number of cell phones is provided to customers, they could buy more cell phones if their prices reduce in comparison with previous price levels. In case supply reduces, this means prices increase, which leads to reduced demand.

The elasticity of supply is important when analyzing the impact of a shift in demand. This is because when demand for certain products and services increases, the supply must also increase in order to satisfy the excess demand (Adam, 2009). This can…

Sources used in this document:
Reference list:

1. Adam, G. (2009). Economic Theory: Supply and Demand. Retrieved January 31, 2012 from http://www.science20.com/gerhard_adam/blog/economic_theory_%E2%80%93_supply_and_demand.

2. Perfect Competition (2011). Investopedia. Retrieved February 1, 2012 from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/perfectcompetition.asp.

3. Hall, R. & Lierberman, M. (2007). Economics: Principles and Applications. Cengage Learning. Retrieved February 1, 2012 from http://books.google.ro/books?id=whLWKYNy0UoC&pg=PA220&dq=perfect+competition&hl=ro#.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Economists It Is Practically Impossible
Words: 2050 Length: 8 Document Type: Term Paper

These factors mean that the old economic theories are not always working properly and are not always properly adapted to the current globalization conditions. Following from this, as more importance is weighted towards behavioural economics, the old theories and rational behaviours of population are believed to weigh less now and thus give misleading guidance to the market players. 4. a. I believe that economic terms can be used for both examination

Economist.com Stumble or Fall the
Words: 334 Length: 1 Document Type: Research Proposal

As economic crisis in the United States has caused families to save rather than spend, which will cause exports from these countries to decline. While these economists certainly understand the concepts of demand, the article suggests that economic pain for developing countries might not necessarily be the case. Instead, the article suggests that countries who have the ability to stimulate their own economies through savings will be able to

Economist Talks About How the
Words: 679 Length: 2 Document Type: Term Paper

This is one of the fears that many people share, and that the Economist article deftly points out. The Fed's argument about keeping interest rates low as a mechanism for job creation has also been rather unproductive. The Fed argues that by offering low interest rates on borrowed money that businesses will take loans to grow. But in this recession, there is no reason to grow when there is decreased

Economist Provides Criticism of Treasury
Words: 440 Length: 1 Document Type: Research Proposal

The author noted that this was an important step to help ease the problems created by the collapse of non-bank funding. The author concludes by noting that the proposed package's tremendous size combined with its lack of clear details or forceful regulation leave the program open to criticisms that it is both too vague and too timid. Furthermore, he points out that the plan's failure to fully account for the

Economist Approach the Production and Sale of
Words: 1784 Length: 4 Document Type: Essay

economist Approach The production and sale of alcoholic beverages contribute a small share in national product in the United States and in other advanced economies. However, the damaging effects of alcohol consumption on health and safety constitute a very significant economic burden, reducing our overall standard of living. Chronic heavy drinking causes organ damage that result in disability and early death. Other possible consequences include cognitive impairment, addiction, reduced productivity,

Economists Measure in Opportunity Cost,
Words: 1461 Length: 4 Document Type: Term Paper

For example, if apple prices are higher than orange prices, consumers are likely to buy more oranges, since the fruits are virtually substitute goods for one another. So long as the apple growers can still make a profit, they will very likely lower their prices to meet consumer demand, until demand for apples increases again. Another example is that of gas prices. While gas 'gouging' certainly exists, it is

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now