Degrowth is a political and economic theory which emphasises changing priorities of society from economic growth and production to a society based on sustainability, well-being, concern for environment and co-operation. The motives for pursuing degrowth include the need to provide environmental sustainability for the long-term and improve quality of life. Critics argue degrowth is a …
A recession (fall in national income) will typically be characterised by high unemployment, falling average incomes, increased inequality and higher government borrowing. The impact of a recession depends on how long it lasts and the depth of the fall in output. The main costs of a recession will be: Unemployment Fall in income – shorter …
Readers Question: Undertake an evaluation of the causes of economic instability and the role, if any, that the government can play in reducing economic instability by constraining their discretion in policy making. Economic instability involves a shock to the usual workings of the economy. Instability tends to reduce confidence and lead to lower investment, lower …
This is a review of economics and its relationships with other social sciences and subjects, such as philosophy, politics, maths, physics, anthropology, psychology and sociology. Also, to what extent does economics benefit from expanding into other subjects? What is economics? Economics a social science that studies the production, consumption and distribution of goods and services. …
Readers Question: What caused the massive decrease in the debt to GDP ratio for the UK following World War II? It is a good question to ask. In the past few years, many European policymakers have felt that rising debt levels needed panic levels of austerity/spending cuts. But, that didn’t happen in the UK in …
To what extent does an increase in profit lead to an increase in economic welfare? In summary. Higher profit enables firms to invest in more research and development, leading to better products in the long-term. Higher profit also acts as a signal to other entrepreneurs to increase investment in that industry. However, others are concerned …
The economic cycle plays an important role in macroeconomics. Typically every 8-10 years, there is a recession (fall in output) or at least an economic downturn. Recessions tend to last for between six months and up to 2 or 3 years. But, even the deepest recession tends to end and the economy returns to a …
The size of current account deficit/surplus is affected by several factors including: Exchange rate (overvalued exchange rate would cause large deficit) Level of consumer spending (economic growth) and hence import spending Capital flows to finance deficit in long-term Saving rates – influencing level of import spending Relative inflation/competitiveness The current account measures: The balance of …