Talk:Macroeconomics

Moving towards approval

Now that we have an (almost) approved microeconomics article, it seems like a good time to focus on this one. My overall impression is that the article is too long as an introduction. Also, I think it focuses too much on models right up front. Modeling is an important tool and what most macroeconomists spend their time doing, but not the point of macro.

The big problem is that macroeconomics is a mess as a discipline which makes it difficult to write a coherent introductory article. I think a useful approach might be to focus on the "themes" or story of macroeconomics up front. Why is macroeconomics important rather than a list of things that macroeconomists have done or are doing. I would suggest:

• Economic growth is the most important factor influencing the advancement and improvement of human welfare and quality of life.
• International trade is important for growth
• Government policy has a significant impact on both growth and trade.
• At this point, hopefully the reader has an idea of why models might be important, then we can launch into the notion of developing a model to figure out what effect changing variable (a) has on variables (b)...(z)

I think most of the information is on the page is good and usable in either this article or a subtopic, the real challenge is manipulating it into something with a nice flow that is easier to understand. Stephen Saletta 07:30, 13 November 2007 (CST)

The treatment of monetarism

In this draft I have dismissed the simplistic version of monetarism without coming to a conclusion about the validity of the more sophisticated version employed by monetary economists. This avoids unnecessary controversy. To my mind the matter is, in any case, not worth pursuing. Monetarism was abandoned because monetary control was found impracticable, not because its theoretical grounding was found wanting. I plan to bring that out in the section on the management of the economy.

Nick Gardner 10:45, 24 September 2007 (CDT)

You make a reasonable point about the empirical experiences of monetarist policy. I wonder whether we should mention in passing some of the more sophisticated approaches -- just for encyclopaedic completeness.--Martin Baldwin-Edwards 10:52, 24 September 2007 (CDT)

Point taken. But I don't want to overburden readers at the outset. I will try to cover it in the section on qualifictions and extensions. Nick Gardner 15:07, 25 September 2007 (CDT)

The current treatment of monetarism seems a little editorialized at the moment. I would state what it is (money supply is the only thing that matters). I think it would also be reasonable to state that it has been surpassed by the neoclassical synthesis and if you want to mention some neokeynesian critique, that would be reasonable as well.Stephen Saletta 07:00, 13 November 2007 (CST)

What's left to do?

It is time to consider what has been left out. Under economic policy I plan to cover the supply side and globalisation constraints on domestic policy. What else should be included? And should there be a concluding section dealing with speculative issues? Suggestions please!

Nick Gardner 07:24, 28 September 2007 (CDT)

Fin

That's that - for the time being, at least. I may come back with some changes in a few months' time.

I will try to get round to draft the articles that I have "invented" by creating links, but I hope somone else will help out regarding the dissenting views.

I am sorry that my plea for comments seems so far to have fallen on deaf ears, but I live in hope!

Nick Gardner 11:28, 12 October 2007 (CDT)