JAMB 2024 Economics · Question 69

The main disadvantages of deflationary policies is

Options

  1. A.full employment in the country
  2. B.increasing cost of living
  3. C.unemployment in the country
  4. D.improved standard of living

Answer: C. unemployment in the country

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

1. Analyze the question The question asks for the main disadvantage of a deflationary policy.

2. Explain the concept A deflationary policy is a set of measures the government uses to reduce the general price level. It works by cutting the amount of money in circulation. Typical tools include:

  • Raising taxes
  • Cutting government spending
  • Raising interest rates
  • Selling government securities (open market operations)
  • Raising the cash reserve ratio

All of these reduce total spending (aggregate demand) in the economy.

3. Step-by-step solution

  • When people and businesses have less money to spend, demand for goods and services falls.
  • Firms sell less, so their profits fall.
  • To cut costs, firms reduce output and lay off workers.
  • Fewer jobs means unemployment rises.

Now check each option:

  • A. Full employment: This is the opposite of what deflation causes. Eliminated.
  • B. Increasing cost of living: This describes inflation, not deflation. Deflation lowers prices. Eliminated.
  • C. Unemployment: Reduced demand leads to reduced production and job losses. This is the main drawback. Correct.
  • D. Improved standard of living: This is not a disadvantage, and deflationary policies do not reliably produce it. Eliminated.

4. Answer The correct option is C. unemployment in the country.

5. Exam tip Remember the pairing:

  • Inflation is linked to a rising cost of living, and the cure is a deflationary policy.
  • Deflationary policy is linked to falling demand, lower output and unemployment.

When a question asks for a "disadvantage" of a policy, ask yourself what the policy does to spending and jobs. Keep going, you are doing well!

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