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Autonomous demand, Harrodian instability and the supply side

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  • Peter Skott

    (University of Massachusetts - Amherst)

Abstract

A recent literature introduces autonomous demand as the driver of long-run economic growth and as a stabilizing force that tames Harrodian instability. The argument is unconvincing. The stabilizing effect is modest for plausible parameter values and, more importantly, it is questionable whether any components of aggregate demand can be viewed as autonomous in the long run. By contrast, models that include the supply side (the labor market) and/or economic policy can address Harrodian instability and produce level and growth effects that resemble those derived in the literature on autonomous demand.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Skott, 2016. "Autonomous demand, Harrodian instability and the supply side," UMASS Amherst Economics Working Papers 2016-16, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ums:papers:2016-16
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    supermultiplier; Harrodian instability; Kaleckian models;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E11 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models - - - Marxian; Sraffian; Kaleckian
    • E12 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models - - - Keynes; Keynesian; Post-Keynesian; Modern Monetary Theory
    • O41 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - One, Two, and Multisector Growth Models

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