Critically Examine the Debate Between Keynesian and Classical Economists on the Attainment of Full Employment in the Economy with Reference to the Real World Events Such as the “Great Depression” and “Stagflation”.

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Classical and Keynesian economist has always been debating and arguing over the “correct” methods to deal with economic issues and how to expand the economy. Where as classical economist believe only the Supply side matters, Keynesians believe only Demand side matters. This has lead to many discussions and many books being printed out by numerous well respected economists. The only problem was that both theories were correct during some periods, but both hit problems that their way of dealing with problems did not help or make the issue any better. Such problems were the ‘Great Depression’ and ‘Stagflation’. Classical economist were mainly rich and well established business men, their theories were seemed to be correct and well recognised, and their existence were from the Mid 18th century to the 1930’s. They believed that the market was perfect, and there was no real need for Government intervention. The other problem was that there were no theoretical foundations for Government interventions and therefore no one knew how the government should intervene if wanted to. Classical economist believed that full employment will be achieved on its own, as long as nothing intervenes with the economy. This is because the market is perfect. If there was a fall in labour a series of ‘automatic’ procedures will kick in place to restore full employment. When there is an increase in unemployment, wages would be expected to fall. AD in the labour market will fall and supply will stay high, hence reducing the value of labour. Once this has been achieved, the reduced cost of labour will encourage the demand for labour. This in turn will mean the economy on its own would reach its equilibrium, or full employment. Adapted by ; Beharrell, A. (2005) If there is an initial high wage rate and unemployment as shown in ab, it will cause a decrease in wage rates shown in Q1

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