Legitimized by the arguments of efficiency gains, public housing, pensions, unemployment insurance and health care are all being gradually privatized. In many countries, even the state's 'night-watchmen' role of providing security is offered by private prisons and security guards. In the face of these and other developments, this book argues that on the basis of efficiency, morality and equality there is still an overwhelming need for public intervention - the res publica. Public or Private Goods? brings together leading scholars from various disciplines including economics, sociology, political science, geography and spatial planning. The book explores core public tasks that the state has traditionally provided but which are increasingly privatized and subsumed into the private sector. For example, although the state still funds and regulates core domains, it provides fewer and fewer visible goods. The authors show how this apparent invisibility of the state presents serious challenges for both income equality and democracy. This thoughtful interdisciplinary book will appeal to advanced students and academics in political science, public sector economics and public finance. It will also provide stimulating reading for politicians, policymakers and anyone interested in the provision of public services. Contributors include: F. Blank, G. Bonvissuto, J. Ferwerda, M. Getzner, G. Gutheil-Knopp-Kirchwald, J. Kadi, T. Knijn, I. Koetsier, J. Lewis, B. Unger, D. van der Linde, K. van Egmond, F. van Waarden

Environmental cost-benefit analysis was developed by economists in the belief that monetary valuation of the environmental repercussions of economic activity is essential if the "environment " stands any chance of being included in government and business decisions. This volume examines the limitations of this monetary approach, and considers the alternatives. Three broad angles from which to view environmental values are presented: applying social psychology concepts which challenge standard approaches; introducing multidimensional and non-monetary techniques; and examining vested interest group and citizen participation in processes of environmental valuation. Combinations of these approaches are also covered. The contributions presented are a valuable resource for both environmental and ecological economists. This authoritative book will also prove useful for those with a general interest in the environment, including policy-makers and non-governmental organizations.

Methods for raising awareness of how humana (TM)s value the environment range from monetary valuation through to greater public participation in decisions. In this book a group of international experts explore innovative alternatives which are critically evaluated and compared. Lessons are drawn from both the successes and failures of different approaches. Case studies address a wide variety of cutting edge environmental problems from agro-forestry and wetlands to climate change, biodiversity and genetically modified organisms.