TED Talks Daily The unpaid work that GDP ignores -- and why it really counts | Marilyn Waring
Sep 2, 2021
Marilyn Waring, an influential economist, challenges the traditional notion of economic growth by critiquing GDP as a measure that disregards unpaid labor. She highlights how household responsibilities, often shouldered by women, go unnoticed in economic metrics. Waring calls for a reevaluation of value that encompasses caregiving and environmental health, emphasizing the importance of recognizing unpaid work in assessing true productivity and societal well-being. Her vision advocates for a more inclusive economic framework that respects both human effort and the planet.
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Uncompensated Farm Labor
- A woman's farm accident required replacements for her labor, but her mother's help went uncompensated.
- This highlights how unpaid domestic work is often overlooked economically.
Mining Mount Perongia
- A mining company wanted to exploit Mount Perongia for profit, prioritizing economic growth over ecological value.
- This exemplifies how GDP prioritizes monetary gains over environmental protection.
Overlooked Caregiver
- A woman caring for three children and elderly parents wasn't considered for childcare assistance because she was outside the paid workforce.
- This demonstrates how GDP's focus on paid work neglects vital unpaid caregiving.