A Model of Access in the Absence of Markets

Abstract

AbstractEconomists have long known that properly designed markets allocate resources efficiently. However, in many circumstances markets are unfeasible. In this paper, we construct a general model of access which allows us to value different assignments when resources are allocated in the absence of markets. We demonstrate that marginal value schedules are far less useful in allocating access when property rights are unattainable. The criteria for optimal allocation combine information on both the marginal value schedules and the assignments determining the probabilities of access to the resource. Our approach allows us to rank rationing policies in a wide range of real-world, second-best settings.