Kalecki – a pioneer of modern macroeconomics

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to vindicate the position of Michał Kalecki as a pioneer of modern macroeconomics whose numerous papers in 1929-1933 laid foundations for what is presently known as the macroeconomic stock-flow consistent approach in examining the economic dynamics of a capitalist economy. Comparative economic analysis is used to define the critical differences between Kalecki’s microassumption and his macro-analysis and policy recommendations against those of his contemporary, and the present-day mainstream economics. Following a concise intellectual biography note, Kalecki’s mechanism of business fluctuations, and then his theory of distribution of national income are examined. Next his theory of profits is discussed, and his theory of effective demand which follows from it. This discussion culminates in outlining his theory of economic dynamics of a capitalist economy. In conclusion the present day relevance of Kalecki’s macroeconomics and its limitations are examined.