Background
Inside money refers to forms of money that constitute both an asset and a liability within the economy it is used. This concept contrasts with outside money, which is an asset to its holder but not a liability for any other entity.
Historical Context
Historically, the distinction between inside and outside money gained prominence with the development of modern banking and financial systems. Antique economies relied mostly on outside money such as precious metals that had intrinsic value not tied to another party’s obligations. As banking evolved, so did the understanding of inside money, characterized by bank deposits and other forms of contemporary financial assets.
Definitions and Concepts
Inside Money: Money which constitutes an asset for the person or firm holding it, while simultaneously being a liability for another party within the same economy. Examples include bank deposits, loans, and certain types of commercial paper.
Outside Money: Money that is an asset to the person holding it but does not correspondingly appear as a liability to another person within the economy. Classic examples include gold coins and currency notes issued by central banks that do not carry a direct liability.
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
In classical economic theories, inside money was not heavily emphasized, given the focus on tangible assets and specie money, which greatly represented outside money.
Neoclassical Economics
Neoclassical theories include broader discussions of money, but they continue to see increased relevance, as inside money aligns with their principles on loanable funds and money multipliers within banking sectors.
Keynesian Economics
Keynesian economics places more focus on inside money due to its importance in liquidity preference, credit availability, and effective demand within the economy. Inside money plays a vital role in how banks create money through lending.
Marxian Economics
Marxian economic frameworks might critique inside money as exemplifying relationships of debt and obligation that inherently reflect capitalistic oppressions and inequalities.
Institutional Economics
Institutional economists closely examine the roles and impacts of banks and financial institutions as creators and moderators of inside money.
Behavioral Economics
Behavioral economists study how human psychology affects the handling of inside money, especially regarding saving, borrowing, and financial planning decisions.
Post-Keynesian Economics
Post-Keynesian scholars extend on Keynesian thoughts, profoundly analyzing the implications of bank-created money and its cyclical effects within the economy.
Austrian Economics
Austrian economists might regard inside money skeptically, given their cautious views on overleveraged banking systems and potential monetary inflation through credit creation.
Development Economics
Development economists consider the role of inside money critically, as effective banking systems and financial intermediations are crucial for economic development.
Monetarism
Monetarists study inside money in terms of its influence on the broader money supply and its resultant effect on inflation and economic stability.
Comparative Analysis
Inside money does not influence overall aggregate wealth but redistributes it. An increase in the value of inside money is balanced by an equivalent amount of liabilities. This contrasts with outside money, where creation or accumulation directly adjusts the holder’s wealth.
Case Studies
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Banking Systems: The 2008 Global Financial Crisis illustrated the intricate roles of inside money, especially concerning mortgage-backed securities and their ripple effects throughout financial institutions.
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Government Debt: Government bonds can act as inside money depending on perspectives; some consider it within government’s liability structure affecting fiscal policy and national debt.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- Money Creation in Fiat and Digital Forms by Michael McLeay
- Monetary Theory and Policy by Carl E. Walsh
- The Economics of Money, Banking, and Financial Markets by Frederic S. Mishkin
Related Terms with Definitions
- Broad Money: Includes inside money like bank deposits plus currency in circulation.
- Monetary Base: The sum of currency in circulation and reserve deposits held at central banks – largely represents outside money.
- Credit Money: Synonymous with inside money; money created through credit mechanisms within banking systems.
By providing context and depth to the term “inside money,” this entry aims to elucidate its significance in various economic frameworks and its practical implications in financial environments.
