Readers question: Explain the main factors which affect population size and growth? Population growth is determined by fertility rates (the number of children per adult) – fatality rates. Birth rates and mortality rates are, in turn, determined by a combination of factors. Often economic growth and economic development have led to a decline in population …
Readers question: Why cannot politics and economics be seen in isolation? Economics is concerned with studying and influencing the economy. Politics is the theory and practice of influencing people through the exercise of power, e.g. governments, elections and political parties. In theory, economics could be non-political. An ideal economist should ignore any political bias or …
Economics is a broad subject concerned with the optimal distribution of resources in society. Within the subject, there are several different branches which focus on different aspects. Also, there are different schools of thought which generally have different views on aspects of economics. The first way to split economics is microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics – …
Sustainable economic growth implies that the growth rate can be maintained over the long term. Sustainable growth involves both Environmentally sustainable growth – e.g. not exploiting scarce resources. Sustainable growth in terms of low inflation and a balanced economy. Sustainable economic growth The long-run trend rate of economic growth is the rate of economic growth …
What is Economic development? Economic development is the process of improving economic welfare in an economy. Economic development can involve a stronger economy enabling a greater range of social services that improve a nation’s welfare. For example, an undeveloped economy will be primarily based on agriculture and very limited social services such as health care …
There is no absolutely agreed definition to a depression. But I would define a depression as A deep and long-lasting period of negative economic growth, with output falling for at least 12 months and GDP falling by over 10%. A depression means the economy experiences a significant fall in output, higher unemployment and disruption to …
The Coronavirus has already led to disruption in manufacturing output, foreign travel and consumer demand. If the virus spreads and becomes a pandemic, what will be the likely economic effects? In short, a global pandemic will have a serious supply-side impact – especially on foreign travel, manufacturing and investment. The uncertainty and decline in travel …
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 …