Matching Economic Concepts and Economists
This question requires matching specific economic concepts presented in List-I with the economists credited with developing or discussing them in List-II. Let's break down each match:
-
A. Paradox of Thrift: This concept is primarily associated with J.M. Keynes (III). Keynes argued that while increased individual saving might seem prudent, if everyone tries to save more simultaneously, it leads to a decrease in aggregate demand and overall economic output. This reduced output can paradoxically lead to lower total savings than anticipated.
-
B. Water-Diamond Paradox: Also known as the paradox of value, this was famously discussed by Adam Smith (IV). Smith observed that essential goods like water, which have high utility, often have low prices, whereas non-essential goods like diamonds, with lower utility, have high prices. He explained this using the labor theory of value and distinctions between use-value and exchange-value.
-
C. Wage Employment Paradox: This concept relates to discussions on unemployment and wages. A.C. Pigou (II) explored the relationship between wages and employment, particularly in his work addressing the persistence of unemployment. While Keynes challenged classical assumptions, Pigou's contributions delved into the complexities of wage flexibility and its impact on employment levels, making him a relevant figure for paradoxes in this area.
-
D. Macroeconomic Paradox: This is a broader term, but within the context of the given options, K. Boulding (I) is the corresponding economist. Boulding, a prolific economist known for his work on general systems theory and economics, often highlighted counterintuitive or paradoxical outcomes in macroeconomic systems and policies.
Correct Matching Summary
Based on the explanations above, the correct matching is:
- A matches with III (J.M. Keynes)
- B matches with IV (Adam Smith)
- C matches with II (A.C. Pigou)
- D matches with I (K. Boulding)
Therefore, the correct option is the one reflecting this specific combination.