CandleFocus Glossary Editor
The trickle-down theory, or “supply-side economics” is a type of economic policy that has been used in the United States since the 1980s. It was famously championed by President Reagan and remains a popular economic plan among Republicans and conservatives.
The trickle-down theory states that tax breaks and other economic benefits for the wealthy, such as large businesses and corporations, will eventually be passed down to everyone else in the form of additional jobs, higher wages and more economic growth. This is sometimes referred to as the theory of “trickle-down wealth.” Under the theory, tax cuts and other government benefits given to the wealthy are seen as an investment that will ultimately benefit the working class.
The main argument of supporters of the trickle-down theory is that tax cuts for the wealthiest individuals and corporations will spur economic growth by leaving more money in the hands of wealthy to invest back into the economy. Supporters of trickle-down economics argue that as the wealthy benefit from these cuts, some of the money trickles down to everyone else. Tax cuts for the wealthy, for example, might encourage them to invest more in job-creating businesses, leading to greater employment opportunities for those lower down on the economic ladder.
Critics argue that the theory does not work in practice. For example, studies have indicated that most of the benefits of tax cuts for the wealthy tend to stay with those at the top, leaving little to trickle down to everyone else. Additionally, some argue that because of the nature of trickle-down economics, the added benefits the wealthy receive add to the growing income inequality in the country.
Ultimately, while the trickle-down theory has become popular political rhetoric in recent years, there is a fair degree of debate on its effectiveness. The theory attempts to stimulate growth and employment by incentivizing wealthy individuals, but some argue that it simply widens the gap between the rich and the poor. Moving forward, it will be important to closely monitor the effects of trickle-down economics and determine whether it is indeed benefitting all citizens or merely creating a larger gap between the haves and have-nots.
The trickle-down theory states that tax breaks and other economic benefits for the wealthy, such as large businesses and corporations, will eventually be passed down to everyone else in the form of additional jobs, higher wages and more economic growth. This is sometimes referred to as the theory of “trickle-down wealth.” Under the theory, tax cuts and other government benefits given to the wealthy are seen as an investment that will ultimately benefit the working class.
The main argument of supporters of the trickle-down theory is that tax cuts for the wealthiest individuals and corporations will spur economic growth by leaving more money in the hands of wealthy to invest back into the economy. Supporters of trickle-down economics argue that as the wealthy benefit from these cuts, some of the money trickles down to everyone else. Tax cuts for the wealthy, for example, might encourage them to invest more in job-creating businesses, leading to greater employment opportunities for those lower down on the economic ladder.
Critics argue that the theory does not work in practice. For example, studies have indicated that most of the benefits of tax cuts for the wealthy tend to stay with those at the top, leaving little to trickle down to everyone else. Additionally, some argue that because of the nature of trickle-down economics, the added benefits the wealthy receive add to the growing income inequality in the country.
Ultimately, while the trickle-down theory has become popular political rhetoric in recent years, there is a fair degree of debate on its effectiveness. The theory attempts to stimulate growth and employment by incentivizing wealthy individuals, but some argue that it simply widens the gap between the rich and the poor. Moving forward, it will be important to closely monitor the effects of trickle-down economics and determine whether it is indeed benefitting all citizens or merely creating a larger gap between the haves and have-nots.