Progressive economists argue that conservatives tend to blame the unemployed for their own unemployment. What does this mean?
A) Conservatives argue that the unemployed have caused businesses to fail.
B) Conservatives argue that the unemployed do not pay buy enough goods and services causing the economy to go into a recession.
C) Conservatives argue that the unemployed are simply unwilling to work at the prevailing wage.
D) Conservatives argue that the unemployed have lost their jobs by being so industrious that they are no longer needed by their employers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Conservative economists believe in the notion of a "free market" where wages are determined by supply and demand. They argue that if individuals are willing to work at market wage rates, they will find employment. Therefore, if someone is unemployed, it must be because they are unwilling to work at the prevailing wage rate, rather than the result of larger economic factors such as a recession or business failure. This argument places the blame on the individual rather than considering broader structural factors that may be contributing to unemployment.

Progressive Economists Argue That Conservatives Tend to Blame the Unemployed