Chapter 20: Problem 18

What is capital deepening?

Short Answer

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Capital deepening is the process of increasing the capital-to-labor ratio in an economy, which means a greater amount of capital is being invested per worker. This can lead to higher productivity, economic growth, and a shift in the structure of the economy towards more capital-intensive industries. It can occur due to reasons like technological advancements, increased savings and investment rates, supportive government policies, and globalization. An example of capital deepening is when a factory invests in advanced machinery to increase its output and efficiency, thereby enhancing the potential for economic growth.

Step by step solution

1. Define Capital Deepening

Capital deepening is an economic concept that refers to an increase in the capital intensity or capital-to-labor ratio in an economy, which means a greater amount of capital is being invested per worker. This can lead to higher productivity and economic growth, as more capital investment can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the labor force.

2. Causes of Capital Deepening

Capital deepening can occur due to various reasons, such as: - Technological advancements that lead to improved production processes and more efficient use of capital. - Increased savings and investment rates, which provide more funds for businesses to invest in capital. - Government policies, like tax incentives, that encourage businesses to invest in capital goods. - Globalization and access to foreign capital, which make it easier for businesses to invest in capital-intensive production methods.

3. Effects of Capital Deepening

Some effects of capital deepening on the economy might include: - Higher labor productivity: As more capital is invested per worker, workers can produce more output using advanced tools and machinery, leading to increased efficiency. - Increased economic growth: With higher productivity, the overall output of the economy can increase, leading to economic growth. - Shift in the structure of the economy: As more resources are invested in capital-intensive production, the economy may move from labor-intensive industries to capital-intensive industries.

4. Example of Capital Deepening

A simple example of capital deepening is when a textile factory invests in advanced machinery to replace some of its manual labor. The increase in capital investment per worker (i.e., the machinery) allows the factory to produce more textile output in a shorter period, increasing the efficiency and overall productivity of the labor force. Consequently, it enhances the potential for economic growth.

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