Which economic theory claims that benefits to the wealthy will eventually benefit the less wealthy?

Prepare for the Social Studies 30-2 Diploma Test. Engage with insightful questions, backed by explanations. Ace your exam!

Trickle-down economics is a theory that suggests benefits provided to the wealthy or businesses, such as tax breaks or deregulation, will eventually "trickle down" to the less wealthy members of society through job creation, increased investment, and overall economic growth. The underlying premise is that when the upper tiers of the economic ladder receive advantages, they will reinvest or spend this newfound wealth, which in turn creates opportunities and raises the standard of living for those at lower income levels.

This notion has sparked considerable debate about whether such benefits actually do reach the lower-income population or whether systemic inequality is perpetuated. The other theories mentioned have distinct focuses: laissez-faire emphasizes minimal government intervention in the economy, demand-side economics advocates for increased consumer spending to stimulate growth, and neoliberalism encompasses a broader advocacy for free markets and deregulation. Each of these perspectives approaches economic policy and social welfare from different angles, but it is the trickle-down economic theory that specifically addresses the flow of benefits from the affluent to the less fortunate.

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