Privatization?

We are liberal-left types across a wide range of issues, but we are also sociologists who care about precision in thought and language and the importance of data-based arguments. Thus, we are often at odds with colleagues who allow their ideological views to overwhelm their use of precise language and the need for data to support their views. Let us take the case of the term "privatization" which has wide useage but has re-surfaced in our community in connection with a new university president who was known for his past support of efforts to transfer government-based programs to the private sector, that is, privatization. So, we ask the following questions about privatization and would welcome responses and suggestions of things to read.

(1) What does the term mean with regard to specific social and economic practices and programs undertaken by government with taxpayer funds?

(2) What are some specific cases of pre-privatization practices and costs, and post-privatization practices and costs; for example, state owned and operated toll roads versus privatized toll roads.

(3) What are the benefits and costs of any case of a privatized government program? Who wins and loses what in the transition?

(4) What are the short term and long term projections about public and private options for useful public services? Are there limits to privatization or is the practice likely to expand?

(5) Is it important to make a distinction between the actions of local, state, and federal government with regard to costs and benefits of privatization?

In short, we would welcome a discussion of the exact meaning and costs of privatization.