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Instability, stationary utilization and effective demand: A synthesis of Harrodian and Kaleckian growth theory

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  • Christian Schoder

Abstract

Within a Kaleckian framework, Harrodian instability and a constant long-run utilization rate are reconciled with the principle of effective demand by endogenizing the capacity output-capital ratio. Its change over time is argued to be a positive function of the utilization rate. As stabilizing forces, distribution and debt dynamics are considered. We argue that, with plausible non-linearities in the investment function, limit cycles consistent with empirical observations for the US can be generated by our model with reasonable parameter values and functional forms. With an endogenous capacity-capital ratio, the paradox of thrift as well as the paradox of cost may hold despite a constant long-run utilization rate.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Schoder, 2012. "Instability, stationary utilization and effective demand: A synthesis of Harrodian and Kaleckian growth theory," IMK Working Paper 104-2012, IMK at the Hans Boeckler Foundation, Macroeconomic Policy Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:imk:wpaper:104-2012
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    Cited by:

    1. Christian Schoder, 2012. "Effective demand, exogenous normal utilization and endogenous capacity in the long run. Evidence from a CVAR analysis for the US," IMK Working Paper 103-2012, IMK at the Hans Boeckler Foundation, Macroeconomic Policy Institute.
    2. Michalis Nikiforos, 2013. "Uncertainty and Contradiction: An Essay on the Business Cycle," Economics Working Paper Archive wp_770, Levy Economics Institute.
    3. Commendatore, Pasquale & Pinto, Antonio & Sushko, Iryna, 2014. "A post-Keynesian model of growth and distribution with a constraint on investment," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 28(C), pages 12-24.
    4. Christian Schoder, 2012. "Endogenous capital productivity in the Kaleckian growth model. Theory and Evidence," IMK Working Paper 102-2012, IMK at the Hans Boeckler Foundation, Macroeconomic Policy Institute.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Kaleckian growth model; Harrodian instability; stationary utilization rate; effective demand; endogenous capital productivity; endogenous cycles;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E12 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models - - - Keynes; Keynesian; Post-Keynesian; Modern Monetary Theory
    • E16 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models - - - Social Accounting Matrix
    • E22 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Investment; Capital; Intangible Capital; Capacity
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles

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