Hardback
The Cost of Living Crisis
Implications for Economic Theory and Public Policy
9781035338221 Edward Elgar Publishing
This informative book deconstructs two key myths in economic theory and policy, that inflation is always a monetary problem and that it can be contained by raising interest rates. Imad A. Moosa identifies many of the causes of the cost of living crisis and proposes policy reforms to alleviate its effects.
More Information
Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
This informative book deconstructs two key myths in economic theory and policy: that inflation is always a monetary problem and that it can be contained by raising interest rates. Imad A. Moosa identifies many of the causes of the cost of living crisis and proposes policy reforms to alleviate its effects.
The Cost of Living Crisis uses historical and simulated data to contest the proposition that inflation can be constrained solely through monetary policy and nine potential causes of resurgent inflation are identified, analysed and systematically evaluated. Moosa refutes claims made by central bankers and politicians about their ability to control inflation and recommends the reconsideration of neoliberalism, the regular adjustment of minimum wages, the utilisation of consumer protection and the rethinking of tax codes, foreign policy and militarism. Ultimately, Moosa argues that any action taken to deal with the cost of living crisis should protect the wellbeing of the majority rather than the interests of major corporations.
The Cost of Living Crisis is a thought-provoking read for academics and students of economics, regulation, public finance, sociology and economic sociology. Written in an engaging and accessible style, this book is also of interest to policymakers and politicians engaged in international financial regulation during highly turbulent times.
The Cost of Living Crisis uses historical and simulated data to contest the proposition that inflation can be constrained solely through monetary policy and nine potential causes of resurgent inflation are identified, analysed and systematically evaluated. Moosa refutes claims made by central bankers and politicians about their ability to control inflation and recommends the reconsideration of neoliberalism, the regular adjustment of minimum wages, the utilisation of consumer protection and the rethinking of tax codes, foreign policy and militarism. Ultimately, Moosa argues that any action taken to deal with the cost of living crisis should protect the wellbeing of the majority rather than the interests of major corporations.
The Cost of Living Crisis is a thought-provoking read for academics and students of economics, regulation, public finance, sociology and economic sociology. Written in an engaging and accessible style, this book is also of interest to policymakers and politicians engaged in international financial regulation during highly turbulent times.
Critical Acclaim
‘Professor Moosa’s The Cost of Living Crisis is in his tradition of intellectual excellence. It is invaluable for workers and businesses experiencing falling incomes and sales, respectively, neoliberal governments losing the economic race to China, and economists seeking a better explanation of the causes of stagflation. He anticipates a deepening crisis and offers vital solutions.’
– Basil Al-Nakeeb, independent economist and investment adviser
‘Similarly to his previous works on universities and financial intermediation, Imad A. Moosa turns his attention to the cost of living – one of the most pressing post-COVID global issues. Once again, he clearly demonstrates his outstanding capacity to cut through the usual nonsense and deliver a fearless and frank assessment of the symptoms and possible solutions.’
– Liam Lenten, University of Melbourne, Australia
– Basil Al-Nakeeb, independent economist and investment adviser
‘Similarly to his previous works on universities and financial intermediation, Imad A. Moosa turns his attention to the cost of living – one of the most pressing post-COVID global issues. Once again, he clearly demonstrates his outstanding capacity to cut through the usual nonsense and deliver a fearless and frank assessment of the symptoms and possible solutions.’
– Liam Lenten, University of Melbourne, Australia
Contents
Contents
Preface
1 The cost of living crisis: an overview
2 The cost of living crisis as a global phenomenon
3 Consequences of and responses to the crisis
4 Causes of the crisis: inflation
5 Causes of the crisis: wage stagnation and neoliberalism
6 Implications for economic theory: inflation as a monetary
problem
7 Implications for economic theory: debunking the
Friedmanite myth
8 Macroeconomic policy implications: rethinking the role of
interest rates
9 The way forward: rethinking public policy
References
Preface
1 The cost of living crisis: an overview
2 The cost of living crisis as a global phenomenon
3 Consequences of and responses to the crisis
4 Causes of the crisis: inflation
5 Causes of the crisis: wage stagnation and neoliberalism
6 Implications for economic theory: inflation as a monetary
problem
7 Implications for economic theory: debunking the
Friedmanite myth
8 Macroeconomic policy implications: rethinking the role of
interest rates
9 The way forward: rethinking public policy
References