Background
The term “propensity to save” is fundamental in economics, serving as an essential measure for understanding consumer behavior in terms of saving versus spending.
Historical Context
The concept has its roots in Keynesian economics, provided by John Maynard Keynes during the Great Depression, as a way to contrast it with “propensity to consume” and to understand economic cycles.
Definitions and Concepts
Propensity to save refers to the proportion of disposable income that individuals or entities choose not to spend on immediate consumption. It is divided into:
- Average Propensity to Save (APS): The fraction of total disposable income that is saved.
- Marginal Propensity to Save (MPS): The fraction of additional income that is saved rather than spent.
1APS = Total Savings / Total Disposable Income
2
3MPS = Change in Savings / Change in Disposable Income
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
Classical economists believed in the self-regulating nature of savings and investments, where savings naturally lead to corresponding investments.
Neoclassical Economics
Here, propensity to save is determined by individual preferences and the rate of return on savings, mainly driven by marginal utility and rational decision-making.
Keynesian Economics
Keynes emphasized the importance of the propensity to save in regulating economic activity. Higher savings could lead to lower consumption, with potential negative effects on aggregate demand.
Marxian Economics
Marxian economics would analyze the propensity to save under the lens of capital accumulation and the resultant societal divisions.
Institutional Economics
Institutional economists would examine the propensity to save in the context of societal norms, institutions, and regulations that influence financial behavior.
Behavioral Economics
Behavioral economics explores the propensity to save considering psychological factors and tendencies like time preference or mental accounting.
Post-Keynesian Economics
This school would focus on how dynamic changes in income distribution impact savings and overall economic health.
Austrian Economics
Austrian economists would look at savings propensity via time preference and the importance of future-oriented consumption.
Development Economics
Development economists might analyze savings rates to understand growth patterns in different economic strata or nations.
Monetarism
Monetarists would examine how money supply changes influence the propensity to save and its subsequent impact on the economy.
Comparative Analysis
Understanding the propensity to save is critical for comparing economic models and empirical data. Higher propensities to save can indicate a risk-averse population or a need for substantial future savings.
Case Studies
Case studies often investigate differing propensities to save across cultures, income brackets, and countries to understand broad economic systems and policies.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money” by John Maynard Keynes
- “Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy” by Joseph A. Schumpeter
- “Animal Spirits: How Human Psychology Drives the Economy, and Why It Matters for Global Capitalism” by George A. Akerlof and Robert J. Shiller
Related Terms with Definitions
- Propensity to Consume: The fraction of disposable income spent on consumption.
- Disposable Income: Income available after taxes and obligatory charges for spending or saving.
- Marginal Propensity to Consume (MPC): The fraction of additional income spent on consumption.
Understanding these foundational principles is instrumental in navigating and analyzing economic trends and policies effectively.
