Measuring what counts- do economic growth and GDP measure what matters?

We've all heard politicians talk about a 'strong economy', or a 'growing economy', but what does this really mean? If GDP (gross domestic product) grows, do our lives improve? Are there better ways to measure whether our economies are doing well? Join this free session to discuss these questions and more.

This event is part of our monthly programme of workshops exploring everyday economics, in collaboration with our partner Economy.

Economy is a charity with an aim to make the economy less confusing, show how it relates to all of our lives everyday, and above all empower people to take active roles in their economies.

What you’ll gain from the session:

What you’ll learn:

• Why what we use to measure economies even matters

• What GDP and economic growth are, and some of their pros and cons

• Some alternative measures to economic growth, including measures of inequality, and some of their pros and cons.

What you’ll be able to do:

• Weigh up the pros and cons of different measures of the economy

• Think about which measure would best highlight how your community is doing, and reflect on how using this measure could improve your community.

This session is for you if you:

• have little to no understanding of economics but would like to learn more about how it affects your life and your community.

• feel left out of conversations about your economic experience

• are curious to explore solutions to economic problems

• are open and keen to hear other people’s views

• come from any background, no matter your education or experience

• want to get more involved in helping to shape the world around you

Accessibility:

• This event will be held on the Zoom platform. When signing up we’ll also share a dial in number so you access the event without the internet.

• Due to the interactive nature of the event, and to encourage engagement, the event will not be recorded.

• We will be using live captioning.

• We want to make sure all of our workshops meet your needs, so if you have any questions about accessibility, please email workshops@ecnmy.org

Booking:

This event is free, but you must register to save a place.

Here’s what some participants have said about Economy's workshops:

"I am filled with hope about this opportunity to discuss the economy in ordinary terms. If this type of discussion group could happen in other places and situations, it would be amazing."

“It's been mindblowing. I really found the information on debt fascinating.”

“Enlightenment is the word I'd use to describe the course. It’s been interesting listening to others’ views.”

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