Group size paradox

Paul Pecorino

Chapter 50 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Public Choice, 2025, pp 355-361 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Mancur Olson introduced the idea of the group size paradox, under which a larger group has a more difficult time providing itself with a public good than a smaller group. He concludes that concentrated interests are likely to win out in the political process relative to more diffuse interests because they are better able to provide themselves with the public good of political action. Political action provides a public good to members of the interest group but not to society at large. This chapter describes some of the very large literature that has grown up around Olson's idea.

Keywords: Public Goods; Group Size Paradox (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781802207743
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