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An Important Inconsistency at the Heart of the Standard Macroeconomic Model

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  • Wynne Godley
  • Anwar M. Shaikh

Abstract

The neoclassical macroeconomic dichotomy between real and nominal variables is shown to be generally false, even within the standard structure of the model. The model implicitly assumes that disbursements via interest payments on bonds somehow ensure that all profits are disbursed. But the two are generally different. Forcing them to match renders the model mathematically inconsistent. Alternately, distinguishing the two rectifies the inconsistency but destroys the dichotomy between real and nominal variables and dramatically alter the model’s outcomes. One striking consequence is that a rise in the money supply can lead to a fall in prices.
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Suggested Citation

  • Wynne Godley & Anwar M. Shaikh, 1998. "An Important Inconsistency at the Heart of the Standard Macroeconomic Model," Economics Working Paper Archive wp_236, Levy Economics Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:lev:wrkpap:wp_236
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Buiter, Willem H, 1980. "Walras' Law and All That: Budget Constraints and Balance Sheet Constraints in Period Models and Continuous Time Models," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 21(1), pages 1-16, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Michalis Nikiforos & Gennaro Zezza, 2017. "Stock-flow Consistent Macroeconomic Models: A Survey," Economics Working Paper Archive wp_891, Levy Economics Institute.
    2. Andrew Mearman, 2010. "What is this thing called ‘heterodox economics’?," Working Papers 1006, Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Bristol Business School, University of the West of England, Bristol.
    3. Li, Boyao, 2017. "The impact of the Basel III liquidity coverage ratio on macroeconomic stability: An agent-based approach," Economics Discussion Papers 2017-2, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
    4. Kakarot-Handtke, Egmont, 2012. "The rhetoric of failure: a hyper-dialog about method in economics and how to get things going," MPRA Paper 43276, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. John E King, 2016. "Book review: Anwar Shaikh, Capitalism: Competition, Conflict, Crises," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 27(4), pages 548-553, December.
    6. Jamee K. Moudud, 2000. "Crowding In or Crowding Out? A Classical-Harrodian Perspective," Macroeconomics 0012001, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    7. Emir Phillips, 2017. "The On-Going Price of Perceiving Money as a Veil," International Journal of Economics and Finance, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 9(12), pages 215-228, December.
    8. Kakarot-Handtke, Egmont, 2012. "Intertwined real and monetary stochastic business cycles," MPRA Paper 42793, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    9. Michalis Nikiforos & Gennaro Zezza, 2017. "Stock†Flow Consistent Macroeconomic Models: A Survey," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(5), pages 1204-1239, December.

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