Question:

Explain the concept of `Deflationary Gap' with the help of a diagram.

Show Hint

Deflationary Gap is cured by expansionary fiscal policy (increase government spending, reduce taxes) to boost Aggregate Demand up to the full employment level.
Updated On: Mar 19, 2026
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In Keynesian economics, full employment is not automatically guaranteed. When Aggregate Demand is insufficient to generate full employment output, an output gap arises.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
A Deflationary Gap (also called a Recessionary Gap) refers to the shortfall in Aggregate Demand (AD) relative to the level of Aggregate Demand required to maintain full employment equilibrium.
In the diagram below, the $45°$ line represents the full employment level. $AD_{FE}$ is the required AD for full employment, and $AD_A$ is the actual (lower) AD. The vertical distance between $AD_{FE}$ and $AD_A$ at the full employment level of income is the Deflationary Gap. This results in less output, income, and employment than the potential, causing deflation and recession.


Step 3: Final Answer:
Deflationary Gap = Shortfall in Aggregate Demand at the full employment level, leading to a fall in output, income, and employment.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top CBSE CLASS XII Economics Questions

View More Questions