JAMB 2024 Economics · Question 69
The main disadvantages of deflationary policies is
Options
- A.full employment in the country
- B.increasing cost of living
- C.unemployment in the country
- 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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