Briefing

Essentiality of Money: A Historical Perspective

Abstract: In this article, I explore the historical development of the concept of essentiality of money, as well as monetary theory more broadly. I begin by introducing the concept of money and its role in facilitating economic activity. I delve into the evolution of monetary theory, starting with the classical theory and the marginal revolution and moving to the division between microeconomics and macroeconomics. Then I discuss the microfoundation revolution in macroeconomics and the debate over the essentiality of money. Finally, I examine the New Keynesian School (which uses reduced-form tools to introduce money) and the New Monetarist School (which emphasizes explicit microfoundations and the essential functions of money).

Keywords: financial institutions; Financial regulation; Money;

Bibliographic Information

Provider: Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Part of Series: Richmond Fed Economic Brief

Publication Date: 2024-01

Volume: 24

Issue: 01