Background
The term “cashless economy” refers to an economic state where financial transactions are not conducted with physical cash such as coins and banknotes but through digital means.
Historical Context
With the advent of digital banking in the late 20th century, the vision for a cashless economy became more tangible. Cheques and credit cards began to replace cash transactions incrementally. As technology advanced, electronic forms of money such as e-wallets and cryptocurrency emerged, inspiring discussions around the possibility of completely eradicating physical cash.
Definitions and Concepts
- Cashless Economy: An economy wherein financial transactions are processed through electronic means rather than physical cash.
- Electronic Money: Digital representation of money that is used for transactions through electronic systems devoid of any physical form.
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
Classical economics primarily views money as a tool facilitating trade. Physical and digital forms of money serve the same purpose but emphasize different efficiencies.
Neoclassical Economics
Neoclassical economics stresses the importance of preferences, utility maximization, and the role of digital advances in reducing transaction costs within a cashless economy.
Keynesian Economics
Keynesians examine cashless economies through the lens of effective demand and monetary policy, monitoring how digital currencies could affect liquidity and stimulating the economy.
Marxian Economics
This school evaluates the impact of cashless transactions on class relations, social control, and the distribution of wealth. Digital transactions may influence the dynamics between capital and labor.
Institutional Economics
It considers institutional arrangements and how they adapt to and shape the progress towards a cashless economy, including regulatory and security frameworks.
Behavioral Economics
Behavioral economists study the psychological implications of cashless economies, such as consumer spending behavior when transactions become more abstract.
Post-Keynesian Economics
This school studies the potential impact of a cashless society on issues like aggregate demand, income distribution, and financial stability.
Austrian Economics
Austrian economists delve into how a cashless economy influences market dynamics, transaction transparency, and individual autonomy in economic decisions.
Development Economics
In developing contexts, the transition to a cashless economy is scrutinized in light of financial inclusivity, accessibility, and the digital divide.
Monetarism
Monetarists focus on how electronic forms of money can affect money supply control and the effectiveness of monetary policies.
Comparative Analysis
Comparing various approaches highlights differing viewpoints on digital transition impacts, from market efficiency to social equity. Each perspective offers unique insights into the practical and theoretical implications of a move towards a cashless society.
Case Studies
- Sweden’s Shift to Digital Transactions
- India’s Demonetization Efforts
- Role of Cryptocurrencies in Venezuela’s Hyperinflation
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Cashless Society: A Comparison of Digital Currency and Cryptocurrency,” by Economic Analysts
- “The Death of Money: The Coming Collapse of the International Monetary System,” by James Rickards
- “Digital Cash: The Unknown History of the Anarchists, Utopians, and Technologists Who Built Cryptocurrency,” by Finn Brunton
Related Terms with Definitions
- Digital Currency: A form of currency that is available only in digital or electronic form.
- E-wallet: A type of electronic card used for transactions made online through a computer or a smartphone.
- Cryptocurrency: A digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and operates independently of a central bank.
- Fintech: Financial technology; an industry encompassing any kind of technology in financial services.
