Why Higher Prices Are Here to Stay: The Hidden Truth About Inflation
Feb 14, 2024
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Discusses the spike in housing costs and inflation surpassing the Federal Reserve target. Explores human decisions affecting market prices and critiques media for blaming vague market forces. Compares past inflation rates during the Vietnam War and analyzes the impact on working people. Explores power dynamics within the capitalist system and the intervention in issues like rent control.
Rising housing costs exceeding the Federal Reserve target challenge financial stability for workers.
Language in media personifying inflation masks human decisions that dictate price increases, particularly by employers.
Deep dives
The Influence of Inflation on Housing Costs
Housing costs have surged by 6%, significantly surpassing the Federal Reserve target. This rise poses challenges for workers to maintain financial stability amidst the portrayal of a flourishing economy by the Biden administration. The episode highlights the need for a reformed system and society to address the escalating housing costs that impact the working class.
Understanding the Human Influence on Prices and Inflation
The discussion delves into the intentional language used in media to personify inflation, diverting attention from the human decisions behind price fluctuations. Prices are determined by individuals within businesses, not by mystical market forces. The accountability lies with employers who, constituting a small minority, dictate price increases affecting the general population.
The Role of Government Spending and Historical Patterns in Inflation
Government decisions to increase spending, especially on wars and other initiatives, can stimulate inflation by injecting more money into the economy. Drawing parallels to historical events like the Vietnam War, the episode reveals how borrowing to finance wars contributes to inflation. Additionally, the impact of inflation on workers' purchasing power underscores the need to address systemic issues within the capitalist structure to ensure economic equity.
On today's episode Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss what really causes inflation as housing costs continue to spike, increasing six percent–triple the Federal Reserve’s target. Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.
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