What is the term for individuals who benefit from resources or services without contributing to their provision?

The term for individuals who benefit from resources or services without contributing to their provision is "free riders." This concept is often discussed in economics and public policy, particularly in the context of public goods. Public goods are resources that are available to all individuals, regardless of whether they have paid for them, such as national defense, public parks, or clean air.

Free riders take advantage of these goods without putting in the required effort, time, or money. This behavior can lead to challenges in the funding and sustainability of public resources since if too many people avoid contributing, it becomes difficult to maintain or provide these services. Understanding the free rider problem is critical for policymakers who need to design incentives or regulations to encourage more equitable contributions to public goods.