Econ3x3
Who are the middle class in South Africa? Does it matter for policy?
By: Econ3x3 30th April 2013 The middle class is a hot topic in media and policy circles. But how should the middle class be defined, particularly in a country with high levels... →
The Budget’s fiscal stance: The non-cyclical element may be a cause for concern
By: Econ3x3 16th April 2013 It is estimated that less than half of the present main budget deficit of 5.7% is explained by cyclical factors. The remainder reflects a... →
The Budget: both the fiscal stance and ‘structural stance’ are sound
By: Econ3x3 25th March 2013 Many economists have argued that the government’s fiscal stance in the recent budget is verging on the risky. This article argues that the fiscal... →
Reducing unemployment: Waiting for high growth? Waiting for Godot? 
By: Econ3x3 12th March 2013 In trying to reduce unemployment in South Africa, the pursuit of higher economic growth is the single most agreed-upon policy strategy. The... →
The unemployed in South Africa: Why are so many not counted?
By: Econ3x3 26th February 2013 The official rate of unemployment includes only the unemployed who are actively searching for work. However, findings from new data challenge this... →
The original criticisms of the Adcorp Employment Index
By: Econ3x3 20th February 2013 Adcorp’s estimated unemployment rate is so low that it disposes of the unemployment crisis. But Adcorp uses a crude currency-demand method to... →
Adcorp’s employment and unemployment figures are not taken seriously by researchers – yet they can do much harm
By: Econ3x3 12th February 2013 Adcorp’s unemployment figures are derived from weak research and is repeated too often by gullible journalists. Based on a flawed methodology and... →
How will a job-search subsidy create jobs?
By: Econ3x3 6th February 2013 It is well known that the price of transport is high in South Africa. These high costs are a barrier to individuals searching for work and applying... →
Reducing inequality to promote growth: A proposed policy package
By: Econ3x3 1st February 2013 There is considerable theoretical and empirical evidence to support the assertion that inequality is bad for growth. In unequal societies it is... →
Minimum wages and compliance in South African agriculture
By: Econ3x3 23rd January 2013 Minimum wage policy in post-1994 South Africa has been pursued with the explicit aim of ensuring that workers in low-paid, vulnerable occupations... →
