Stagflation, which reigned during the presidency of Jimmy Carter, occurs during an unusual confluence of events: high inflation, low economic growth and high unemployment. Normally, high inflation happens during periods of rapid economic expansion and low unemployment. On the opposite side, low economic growth and high unemployment normally occur during periods of low inflation. Stagflation, which combines the worst of everything, is particularly hard on the middle and lower classes, whose members face both high unemployment and rapidly rising prices for goods and services. In addition, the lack of jobs often leads to despondency among those unable to find work.