Collective goods

Definition

Collective goods are benefits or services that are provided to all members of a group or society, regardless of whether they individually contributed to acquiring them. These goods cannot be withheld from anyone and are available to both contributors and non-contribitors alike.

Related terms

Public Goods: Goods that are non-excludable and non-rivalrous, meaning no one can be excluded from their use and one person's use does not reduce availability for others.

Free Rider Problem: A situation where some individuals benefit from resources or services without paying for them, relying on others to shoulder the cost.

Interest Groups: Organizations formed to advocate for specific interests and influence public policy, often playing a role in the distribution or advocacy for collective goods