An Examination of the Capture Theory of Regulation
Becker, Gilbert. “An Examination of the Capture Theory of Regulation”, Boston College, 1983. http://hdl.handle.net/2345/1753.
Abstract
This dissertation provides an empirical analysis of the theory of regulatory capture. Distinction is made between simpler perceptions of the occurrence of regulation, and the theory of regulation presented by Sam Peltzman. The basic Peltzman thesis is that regulation is determined by a rational political support maximizing legislator. The focus of this study is on investigating the accuracy of Peltzman' s theory. To date, there does not exist a good empirical model of regulatory capture which can be used to test this theory in a broad array of case settings. A principal feature of this dissertation is the development of such a general model.