The power of a single number : a political history of GDP
(Book)
Uniform Title
Author
Published
New York : Columbia University Press, 2016.
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Description
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Copies
Location | Call Number | Status |
---|---|---|
Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records - Main Floor | HC79 .I5 L4613 2016 | On Shelf |
More Details
Published
New York : Columbia University Press, 2016.
Format
Book
Physical Desc
xiv, 186 pages ; 22 cm
Language
English
UPC
40025968843
Notes
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Description
Widely used since the mid-twentieth century, GDP (gross domestic product) has become the world's most powerful statistical indicator of national development and progress. Practically all governments adhere to the idea that GDP growth is a primary economic target, and while criticism of this measure has grown, neither its champions nor its detractors deny its central importance in our political culture. Here, social scientist Philipp Lepenies recounts the lively history of GDP's political acceptance--and eventual dominance. Locating the origins of GDP measurement in Renaissance England, Lepenies explores the social and political factors that originally hindered its use. It was not until the early 1900s that an ingenious lone-wolf economist revived and honed GDP's statistical approach. These ideas were then extended by John Maynard Keynes, and a more focused study of national income was born. American economists furthered this work by emphasizing GDP's ties to social well-being, setting the stage for its ascent. GDP finally achieved its singular status during World War II, assuming the importance it retains today. Lepenies's absorbing account helps us understand the personalities and popular events that propelled GDP to supremacy, and clarifies current debates over the wisdom of the number's rule.--Adapted from dust jacket.
Language
Translated from the German.
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Citations
APA Citation, 7th Edition (style guide)
Lepenies, P. (2016). The power of a single number: a political history of GDP . Columbia University Press.
Chicago / Turabian - Author Date Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)Lepenies, Philipp, 1971-. 2016. The Power of a Single Number: A Political History of GDP. Columbia University Press.
Chicago / Turabian - Humanities (Notes and Bibliography) Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)Lepenies, Philipp, 1971-. The Power of a Single Number: A Political History of GDP Columbia University Press, 2016.
MLA Citation, 9th Edition (style guide)Lepenies, Philipp. The Power of a Single Number: A Political History of GDP Columbia University Press, 2016.
Note! Citations contain only title, author, edition, publisher, and year published. Citations should be used as a guideline and should be double checked for accuracy. Citation formats are based on standards as of August 2021.
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