You don't always get what you pay for: the economics of privatization

Abstract

The book offers a balanced look between the pitfalls and promises of public sector privatization in the United States. The underlying economic dynamics of how public agencies and private organizations can work together are described, and a rigorous analysis is provided of the assumptions behind the case for privatization. The book uses specific examples, such as mail service and urban transportation, to show that privatization does not shrink government and demonstrates that there is more to consider in providing public services than trying to achieve efficiency, such as issues of equity and access which must not be ignored.