The Two Deadweight Triangles Are the Consumption Distortion and Production

question 69

Essay

The two deadweight triangles are the Consumption distortion and Production distortion losses. It is easy to understand why the Consumption distortion constitutes a loss for society. After all, it raises the prices of goods to consumers, and even causes some consumers to drop out of the market altogether. It seems paradoxical that the Production distortion is considered an equivalent burden on society. After all, in this case, profits increase, and additional production (with its associated employment) comes on line. This would seem to be an offset rather than an addition to the burden or loss borne by society. Explain why the Production distortion is indeed a loss to society, and what is wrong with the logic that leads to the apparent paradox.

---

Definitions:

Elasticity

A measure of the sensitivity of one variable to changes in another, commonly used to assess changes in demand or supply in response to changes in prices or income.

Demand Elasticity

Refers to the responsiveness of quantity demanded to a change in price.

Product Differentiation

Identifying unique features of a product or service to elevate its attractiveness to a chosen target group.

Monopolistically Competitive

A market structure where many firms sell products that are similar but not identical, allowing for some degree of market power and differentiation.