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Working Paper 301 - Structural Transformation, Deep Downturns, and Government Policy

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Abstract

Most recessions are a result of some shock to the economic system, typically amplified by financial accelerators, and leading to large balance sheet effects of households and firms, which result in the effects persisting. But, over time, the balance sheets get restored. Even banks recover. But episodically, the “shock” is deeper. It is structural. Among advanced countries, the movement from agricultural to manufacturing in the last century, and the more recent movement from manufacturing to the service sector reflect such a large economic transformation. The associated downturns are longer lasting. The usual responses, in particular, monetary policy, are only of limited efficacy. Policies have to be designed to facilitate such transformations: markets on their own typically do not do well. This paper explains why such transformations are associated with persistently high unemployment, and what kinds of government policies are needed. It looks at the lessons of the Great Depression both for the advanced countries and the developing countries today as they go through their structural transformations.

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  • Stiglitz Joseph E., 2018. "Working Paper 301 - Structural Transformation, Deep Downturns, and Government Policy," Working Paper Series 2401, African Development Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:adb:adbwps:2401
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    References listed on IDEAS

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