Monetarist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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monetarist

[หˆmษ’nษชtษ™rist ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

economic theory

A monetarist is an economist who believes that variations in the money supply have major influences on national output in the short run and the price levels over longer periods. Monetarism is grounded in the idea that the control of the money supply is the most effective way to regulate the economy. Monetarists argue against fiscal policy as the primary tool of managing economic stability, emphasizing instead the importance of the monetary policy set by the central bank. They believe a steady, predictable increase in money supply is essential for sustainable economic growth.

Synonyms

economist, financial theorist.

Examples of usage

  • The monetarist approach suggests controlling inflation.
  • Many central banks adopt monetarist policies.
  • Monetarist theory has shaped modern economic policy.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term originated in the 1970s, coined to describe a group of economists led by Milton Friedman, who emphasized the role of government in controlling the amount of money in circulation.
  • Friedman won a Nobel Prize in 1976 for his contributions to monetary theory, greatly influencing modern economic policies.
  • Monetarism gained global prominence in the late 20th century, particularly among Western economies facing inflation.

Economics

  • Monetarists argue that managing inflation is more effective through controlling money supply rather than using fiscal policies like government spending.
  • They assert that long-term economic growth is primarily driven by the growth rate of the money supply.
  • Many monetarist policies emphasize the importance of 'rules' over 'discretion' in monetary policy to ensure stable economic growth.

Criticism

  • Critics claim monetarist policies can neglect other important aspects of the economy, such as employment and production factors.
  • Some economists argue that focusing solely on money supply fails to address the complexities of modern economies, which can involve external shocks and market behavior.
  • Monetarist approaches were challenged in the 2008 financial crisis, which many believed was exacerbated by an over-reliance on money supply control.

Pop Culture

  • The rise of monetarist ideas coincided with the political shifts in the 1980s, including the Reagan administration in the U.S., which embraced these economic theories.
  • Books like 'Free to Choose' by Milton Friedman popularized monetarist principles outside academic circles, influencing public opinion about economic policies.
  • Monetarism has been referenced in various debates about economic policy in films, documentaries, and television shows reflecting political and economic themes.

Global Impact

  • Countries like Chile in the 1980s adopted monetarist policies, leading to notable economic transformations, yet also significant social consequences.
  • Monetarist principles influenced the European Central Bank's approach to managing inflation within the Eurozone.
  • The technique of targeting money supply growth has been used by several central banks globally to combat inflation and stabilize economies.

Origin of 'monetarist'

The term 'monetarist' derives from the word 'monetarism', which was first popularized in the 1970s and is primarily associated with economist Milton Friedman. Monetarism itself is built upon classical economic ideas, emphasizing the control of money supply as a key factor in managing the economy. The label 'monetarist' emerged to categorize those economists who advocate for this monetary-focused view, distinguishing them from Keynesian economists who emphasize fiscal policy. Monetarist theories gained significant traction during periods of high inflation and economic instability, leading to a shift in monetary policy approaches in many countries. The principles formulated by monetarists have had lasting impacts on economic thought and policy.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,545 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.