A Preference-Theoretic Methodology For Nonmarket Goods

A methodology for nonmarket goods is presented based on preference algebra and set theory that allows one to specify exactly when preference assumptions such as weak complementarity can be tested against revealed preference information. Revealed preference is insufficient for welfare analysis involving state preference variables such as nonmarket goods. The preference and set-theoretic structure presented here is specifically designed to characterize the minimal additional preference information necessary for exact welfare analysis, and also provides a common basis for specifying the many context-specific methods that have been proposed for closing the information gap (whether or not they provide this minimal information).