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A Keynesian Perspective on ‘Financialisation’

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21st Century Keynesian Economics

Part of the book series: International Papers in Political Economy Series ((IPPE))

Abstract

Keynesian and Kaleckian demand driven distribution and growth models, based on the notion of distribution conflict between different groups, have been critical regarding the macroeconomic effects of ‘financialisation’. In the present paper, firstly, we attempt to identify theoretically and empirically the main channels of influence of ‘financialisation’ on investment, saving and distribution in order to obtain a precise macroeconomic meaning of ‘financialisation’ in a distribution and growth context. Secondly, we analyse the effects of ‘financialisation’ in a simple stock-flow consistent distribution and growth model and we show that with ‘normal’ parameter constellations ‘financialisation’ generates systemic instability.

This study summarises some results of a research project at the Macroeconomic Policy Institute (IMK), Hans Boeckler Foundation, on ‘Financial systems and economic growth’. For helpful discussions and comments, and for assistance in the collection of literature and data, I would like to thank Katharina Dröge, Petra Dünhaupt, Till van Treeck, and Klara Zwickl. I am also grateful for the comments and suggestions by the participants in the conferences at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London, and at the University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, and in particular by Philip Arestis and Malcolm Sawyer. Remaining errors are, of course, my own.

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© 2010 Eckhard Hein

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Hein, E. (2010). A Keynesian Perspective on ‘Financialisation’. In: Arestis, P., Sawyer, M. (eds) 21st Century Keynesian Economics. International Papers in Political Economy Series. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230285415_4

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