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  • A negative externality (sometimes referred to as an "external cost") exists when an economic actor produces an economic cost but does not fully pay that cost. A well-known example is the manufacturing firm that dumpspollutants in a river, decreasing water quality downstream.
  • A positive externality (sometimes referred to as an "external benefit") exists when an economic actor produces an economic benefit but does not reap the full reward from that benefit. Positive externalities are less well-known, but can be vitally important to individual and societal well-being. A landowner, for example, by choosing not to develop her land might preserve awater recharge source for an aquifer shared by the entire local community. Other examples are parents who, out of love for their children, raise them to become decent people (rather than violent criminals). In so doing they also create benefits for society at large. Similarly, when one person gets vaccinated against a communicable disease, she not only protects herself, but also others around her, from the disease's spread. In both cases there are social benefits from individual actions: Well-educated, productive citizens are an asset to the community as well as to their own families; and disease control reduces risks for everyone.
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Q: What is the difference between positive and negative externalities?
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Continue Learning about Economics

How do externalities impact the determination of the socially optimal quantity in a market?

Externalities can affect the socially optimal quantity in a market by causing a divergence between private costs and social costs. When externalities are present, the market may produce more or less than the socially optimal quantity, leading to inefficiency. This can result in overproduction or underproduction of goods and services, which can have negative impacts on society as a whole.


What is the economic term for the indirect effects of markets that are not corrected within the markets?

Externalities. A more proper definition for an externality is a transaction between two economic agents which affects a third, non-participating agent. Whether or not externalities are corrected for in a market is a matter of debate in economic theory.


What is the difference between internal and external environments?

internal environment includes things, situations and events that occur in the organization which effect the business in a positive or negative way. external environment includes things, situations and events that occur outside the organization, basically not in control by the organization,but effect the organization in a positive or negative way.


What is the relationship between Pareto efficiency and externalities in economic theory?

In economic theory, Pareto efficiency refers to a situation where resources are allocated in the most efficient way possible, maximizing overall societal welfare. Externalities are costs or benefits that affect parties not directly involved in a transaction. The relationship between Pareto efficiency and externalities is that externalities can lead to market inefficiencies and prevent the achievement of Pareto efficiency. This is because externalities can result in a misallocation of resources and a failure to account for the full costs or benefits of a transaction, leading to a suboptimal outcome for society as a whole.


What are the solutions to market failure?

ADDRESSING EXTERNALITIES: this involves a)social sanctions b)ethical/moral values c)voluntary organisations like charities d) contract between parties for addressing any arising externalities e) internalization which involves teaming up all activities with possible externalities at one firm so tht they do not arise