Full Description:
DeflationDeflation Full Description:Deflation is the opposite of inflation and is often far more destructive in a depression. As demand collapses, prices fall. To maintain profit margins, businesses cut wages or fire workers, which further reduces demand, causing prices to fall even further.
Critical Perspective:Deflation redistributes wealth from debtors (the working class, farmers, and small businesses) to creditors (banks and bondholders). Because the amount of money owed remains fixed while wages and prices drop, the “real” burden of debt becomes insurmountable. This dynamic trapped millions in poverty and led to the mass foreclosure of homes and farms. is the opposite of inflation and is often far more destructive in a depression. As demand collapses, prices fall. To maintain profit margins, businesses cut wages or fire workers, which further reduces demand, causing prices to fall even further.
Critical Perspective:
Deflation redistributes wealth from debtors (the working class, farmers, and small businesses) to creditors (banks and bondholders). Because the amount of money owed remains fixed while wages and prices drop, the “real” burden of debt becomes insurmountable. This dynamic trapped millions in poverty and led to the mass foreclosure of homes and farms.