A Review Essay on GDP: A Brief but Affectionate History by Diane Coyle

Moshe Syrquin

Journal of Economic Literature, 2016, vol. 54, issue 2, 573-88

Abstract: GDP, the most fundamental concept of aggregate economics, is often misunderstood and misused. In a brief book, Diane Coyle attempts to demystify and clarify the concept by providing what she calls "an affectionate history." The product is a lucid and clear presentation that however must come with a caution sign. The story is often incomplete, and what it does contain is not always accurate. Among the salient and controversial topics discussed are the adequacy of GDP for the twenty-first century, the deficiencies of GDP as a measure of welfare, and the strange way in which banking services are calculated.

JEL-codes: B22 E01 E23 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
Note: DOI: 10.1257/jel.54.2.573
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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