Chapter 16: Problem 32

Why do automatic stabilizers function "automatically?"

Short Answer

Expert verified

Automatic stabilizers function "automatically" because they are built into the structure of the economy and government policies, and do not require direct action or changes in policies by government officials to become effective. They automatically respond to economic fluctuations by either boosting or dampening the impact, acting as countercyclical mechanisms that help maintain economic stability without the need for deliberate decisions by policymakers. Examples include progressive taxation, transfer payments, and government spending.

Step by step solution

Understanding Automatic Stabilizers

Automatic stabilizers are economic policies and programs designed to offset fluctuations in a nation's economic activity, such as changes in GDP, without direct intervention by policymakers. They help to reduce the impact of economic shocks and maintain stability in the economy. Some examples of automatic stabilizers are taxes, government spending, and transfer payments, like unemployment benefits and welfare programs.

Automatic in Nature

Automatic stabilizers function automatically because they are built into the structure of the economy and government policies. They do not require direct action or changes in policies by government officials to become effective. When the economy experiences changes, these stabilizers automatically respond by either boosting or dampening the impact of the fluctuations.

Stabilizing Effects

The stabilizing effects of automatic stabilizers occur due to their innate response to changes in economic conditions. For example: 1. During a recession, an increase in unemployment causes an automatic increase in unemployment benefits and welfare payments, providing additional income for affected households and dampening the negative effects of the recession on consumer demand. 2. In periods of economic growth, higher income levels lead to increased tax revenues, which helps to moderate the positive effects of the expansion by reducing the disposable income of households and businesses, limiting the potential for overheating and inflation.

Countercyclical Mechanisms

Automatic stabilizers serve as countercyclical mechanisms that moderate economic fluctuations without the need for deliberate decisions by policymakers. They act as a buffer against sudden economic changes and help to maintain stability in the economy through various channels like progressive taxation, transfer payments, and government spending. In summary, automatic stabilizers function "automatically" because they are designed to respond to fluctuations in the economy without the need for direct intervention by policymakers. This built-in response to changes in economic conditions allows them to serve as a stabilizing force, helping to mitigate the impact of economic shocks and maintain economic stability.

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