ABSTRACT

Practical Macroeconomics for Non-Economists provides the tools, the theory, and the empirical understanding of macroeconomics without the heavy lifting of the mathematical and econometric models.

This accessible book introduces the building blocks of macroeconomic thinking and challenges the reader to apply these insights to learn why economists say what they do and what guides economic policymakers. Linking actual data to theoretical concepts, it explores competing economic theories, and uncovers some of the key controversies in macroeconomic theory and how different perspectives lead to alternative and vastly different policy recommendations.

Key features include:

• Coverage of all the key macroeconomic topics, such as GDP, inflation, unemployment, output and productivity, business cycles, aggregate demand/supply, and fiscal and monetary policy.
• Question-and-answer format, covering the foundations of each topic in a logical progression, to provide the reader with a quick reference and more focused discussion.
• "Advanced questions" to encourage deeper discussion.
• Start-of-chapter learning objectives, which allow the reader to "see" the road ahead for each section.
• End-of-chapter "Issues to think about" boxed features, which offer the reader an opportunity to apply critical thinking to the issues covered.
• Resource manual and PowerPoints for instructors.

Practical Macroeconomics for Non-Economists is the ideal textbook for anyone looking for a practical and non-technical introduction to the subject.

part 1|318 pages

Macroeconomic Thinking and Tools

chapter Chapter 1|15 pages

Macroeconomic Basics

chapter Chapter 2|13 pages

The Importance of Circular Flow in the Economy

chapter Chapter 3|17 pages

Key Macroeconomic Statistics—Jobs and Unemployment

chapter Chapter 4|28 pages

Key Macroeconomic Statistics—Inflation

chapter Chapter 5|23 pages

Key Macroeconomic Statistics—Output and Productivity

chapter Chapter 6|42 pages

Understanding Business Cycles and Trends

chapter Chapter 7|39 pages

A Macroeconomic Toolbox for Descriptive Analysis

chapter Chapter 9|23 pages

Money and Banking

chapter Chapter 11|29 pages

Government Spending, Taxation, and Fiscal Policy

chapter Chapter 12|12 pages

Policy Implications of Macroeconomic Theories

part 2|66 pages

Macroeconomic Issues

chapter Chapter 13|7 pages

The Disappearing Worker

chapter Chapter 14|9 pages

Implications of an Evolving Economy

chapter Chapter 15|9 pages

The Great Moderation Followed by the Great Volatility

chapter Chapter 16|13 pages

The Global Debt Explosion and Worries

chapter Chapter 17|6 pages

Setting Tax Rates

chapter Chapter 18|20 pages

Measuring Macroeconomic Uncertainty

part 3|10 pages

Macroeconomics Reshaped