Why 2023 is Making You Poorer w/ Unlearning Economics [Audio Exclusive]
Jun 13, 2023
01:01:20
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Quick takeaways
Inflation is a distributional conflict affecting different groups and sectors, leading to changes in relative price rises and wage increases.
The future trajectory of inflation may persistently impact housing costs and mortgage renewals, requiring proactive measures like investment in alternative energy sources and fair wage negotiation.
Deep dives
Understanding Inflation: Causes and Impact
In this podcast episode, the speaker explores the concept of inflation and its significance. Inflation is the decrease in the value of currency over time, resulting in a decrease in purchasing power. It is determined by the general increase in prices of goods and services. The speaker highlights that inflation can be measured in various ways, such as tracking the average prices of commonly purchased goods and services. However, it is important to note the limitations of these measurements, as they might not accurately reflect individual experiences. The episode discusses the impact of inflation on different sectors, such as housing costs and wages. It also delves into the relationship between inflation and interest rates, as well as the role of supply and demand in shaping inflation. The podcast concludes by discussing the potential future trajectory of inflation and the need for proactive measures to address its effects.
The Distributional Impact of Inflation
This podcast episode emphasizes that inflation is a distributional conflict that affects different groups in distinct ways. The impact of inflation is felt through changes in relative price rises and wage increases. The speaker notes that the rise in inflation has led to a demand for higher wages, especially in unionized sectors. However, some industries have been disproportionately affected, such as the energy sector due to rising fuel costs. Additionally, housing costs have been impacted, potentially leading to challenges for mortgage holders and renters. The role of unions in advocating for fair wage increases is highlighted, as well as the need to address the distributional implications of inflation.
Predicting the Future of Inflation
The podcast episode explores the future trajectory of inflation and potential measures to mitigate its effects. While some forecasts suggest that inflation will begin to ease off, the speaker stresses that the impact on housing costs and mortgage renewals may persist. The episode discusses the significance of energy prices and their influence on inflation, particularly in relation to supply chain disruptions. The speaker suggests that increased investment in alternative energy sources and careful monitoring of systemic sectors would be beneficial. Lastly, the speaker acknowledges the importance of wage negotiation and fair distribution in managing inflation, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that avoids a wage-price spiral.
In this audio-exclusive episode of Induction, Tom is joined by Unlearning Economics to chat a little bit about inflation: what it is, why it's currently so high, and what can be done to bring it down again. (Also contains a lot of talk about Freddo Frogs.)