Yleishyödykkeet

Yleishyödykkeet refers to goods or services that are non-excludable and non-rivalrous. This means that it is difficult or impossible to prevent individuals from consuming the good or service, even if they do not pay for it, and one person's consumption does not diminish the amount available to others. This characteristic leads to the "free-rider problem," where individuals can benefit from the good or service without contributing to its cost, potentially leading to under-provision by the private market.

Common examples of yleishyödykkeet include national defense, clean air, and public street lighting. Because private firms have little incentive to produce these goods due to the free-rider problem, they are often provided by governments or public organizations. The funding for these goods typically comes from taxation, where all citizens contribute, regardless of their direct use or enjoyment of the specific yleishyödyke. The provision of yleishyödykkeet is a key justification for government intervention in the economy, aiming to ensure that essential societal needs are met.

The distinction between yleishyödykkeet and other types of goods, such as private goods (excludable and rivalrous), club goods (excludable but non-rivalrous), and common resources (non-excludable but rivalrous), is fundamental in economic theory. Understanding these classifications helps in analyzing market failures and designing appropriate policy responses.