Say's Law of Markets

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Definition of 'Say's Law of Markets'

Say's law of markets, also known as Say's law of supply and demand, is an economic theory that states that the supply of goods and services creates its own demand. In other words, if a producer creates a good or service, then there will be a buyer for that good or service. This theory is based on the idea that the economy is self-regulating and that there is no need for government intervention.

Say's law was first proposed by French economist Jean-Baptiste Say in his book "Traité d'économie politique" (Treatise on Political Economy) in 1803. Say argued that the production of goods and services creates income for workers, which they then use to purchase other goods and services. This process creates a cycle of production and consumption that keeps the economy moving.

Say's law has been criticized by economists who argue that it is too simplistic. They point out that there are many factors that can affect demand, such as changes in consumer preferences, interest rates, and government policies. They also argue that the economy is not always self-regulating and that government intervention can sometimes be necessary to stabilize the economy.

Despite these criticisms, Say's law remains an important economic theory. It is a key concept in classical economics and has influenced many other economic theories, such as Keynesian economics.

Here are some additional points about Say's law:

* Say's law is based on the assumption that there is full employment in the economy. This means that all workers who are willing and able to work are employed.
* Say's law also assumes that there is no hoarding. This means that people do not save their money but instead use it to purchase goods and services.
* Say's law is often used to argue against government intervention in the economy. Proponents of Say's law argue that the government should not try to stimulate the economy by increasing spending or reducing taxes. They argue that the economy will self-regulate and that any government intervention will only make things worse.

Whether or not you agree with Say's law, it is an important economic theory that has had a significant impact on the development of economic thought.

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