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Collapse Quote by Milton Friedman

“The collapse of communism in essence added tens and tens of millions of people to the world labor supply, and the people who were added had previously been getting very low income, but they were not unskilled. Many of them were fairly well educated.” quote by Milton Friedman
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“The collapse of communism in essence added tens and tens of millions of people to the world labor supply, and the people who were added had previously been getting very low income, but they were not unskilled. Many of them were fairly well educated.”

Milton Friedman

About This Quote

Source Speech: Economic Commentary, 1970s

The end of communism added many low‑income, educated workers to the global labor pool, increasing competition and changing wage dynamics.

In simple terms: Communism’s fall added many educated low‑income workers worldwide.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how labor supply shifts affect wages.

Themes

economics politics labor markets globalization education

Mood

analytical concerned

Type

economic political

When to use this quote

  • policy analysis
  • career planning
  • investment decisions
  • immigration debates

Key Concepts

Supply and demand human capital income distribution

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does increased labor supply affect wages in different sectors?
  • What policies can mitigate wage pressure?
A Different Perspective

Assumes all added workers are unskilled, ignoring skill variation.

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