Textbook Confessions: Government Failure
Journal Title/Source
The Journal of Private Enterprise
Publication Date
2014
Volume
29
Issue (if applicable)
3
Page Numbers
159–175
Document Type
Journal Article
Department
Economics
Abstract
What students learn in the Principles of Economics course may become the permanent lens through which they view and understand how the economy works. While most textbooks cover a core of material in a consistent manner, the same cannot be said for the treatment of government failure. We review twelve principles of economics textbooks to analyze the treatment given to government failure. Our analysis shows that authors fall short in adequately addressing this topic, thereby exposing students to the fallacy that government is the solution to market failure and drawing dangerously close to the line between positive and normative analysis.
Recommended Citation
Eyzaguirre, Hugo; Ferrarini, Tawni Hunt; and O'Roark, J. Brian, "Textbook Confessions: Government Failure" (2014). Journal Articles. 117.
https://commons.nmu.edu/facwork_journalarticles/117