The Power of a Single Number

A Political History of GDP

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, Labour & Industrial Relations, Business & Finance, Economics, Economic History, History, Modern, 20th Century
Cover of the book The Power of a Single Number by Philipp Lepenies, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Philipp Lepenies ISBN: 9780231541435
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: April 26, 2016
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: Philipp Lepenies
ISBN: 9780231541435
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: April 26, 2016
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

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.

In The Power of a Single Number, Philipp Lepenies recounts the lively history of GDP's political acceptance—and eventual dominance. Locating the origins of GDP measurements in Renaissance England, Lepenies explores the social and political factors that originally hindered its use. It was not until the early 1900s that an ingenuous 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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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.

In The Power of a Single Number, Philipp Lepenies recounts the lively history of GDP's political acceptance—and eventual dominance. Locating the origins of GDP measurements in Renaissance England, Lepenies explores the social and political factors that originally hindered its use. It was not until the early 1900s that an ingenuous 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.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book Promised Bodies by Philipp Lepenies
Cover of the book Sexual Orientation and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy by Philipp Lepenies
Cover of the book Critical Issues in Child Welfare by Philipp Lepenies
Cover of the book Sources of Japanese Tradition by Philipp Lepenies
Cover of the book Experiencing Animal Minds by Philipp Lepenies
Cover of the book The Book of Lord Shang by Philipp Lepenies
Cover of the book Chinese History and Culture by Philipp Lepenies
Cover of the book A Revolution in Eating by Philipp Lepenies
Cover of the book Feminist Aesthetics and the Politics of Modernism by Philipp Lepenies
Cover of the book A History of Housing in New York City by Philipp Lepenies
Cover of the book Race and the Genetic Revolution by Philipp Lepenies
Cover of the book Confronting Postmaternal Thinking by Philipp Lepenies
Cover of the book Gypsies and the British Imagination, 1807-1930 by Philipp Lepenies
Cover of the book Finding Wisdom in East Asian Classics by Philipp Lepenies
Cover of the book Beyond Bruce Lee by Philipp Lepenies
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy