Gross domestic product is arguably the best-known and most powerful statistic in the contemporary world. It drives government policy on a variety of vital areas, from health to education. Yet, perhaps for the first time since its inception in the 1930s, more and more people regard this popular icon of economic growth as a 'problem'. In this lecture, which is based on his recent book, Prof Lorenzo Fioramonti unravels the 'content' of GDP what it measures, what it doesn't and why — and reveals the powerful political interests that have allowed it to dominate today's economies. In doing so, he demonstrates just how little relevance GDP has to principles such as progress, social justice and sustainability, and shows that an alternative is possible — a startling insight into the politics of a number that has come to dominate our everyday lives. This lecture has a focus on Africa and its future development objectives.
Lorenzo Fioramonti is Associate Professor of Political Science and Jean Monnet Chair in Regional Integration and Governance Studies at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, where he directs the Centre for the Study of Governance Innovation (www.governanceinnovation.org).
We invite you to participate in UP's one hour EXPERT LECTURE SERIES and be enriched by the University's research output.
Date: Thursday 14 March 2013
Time: 17:00–20:00
Venue: Senate Hall, Hatfield Campus, Pretoria
GPS coordinates: S25° 45' 21" E28º 13' 51"
Dress: Day wear
RSVP: By 7 March, [email protected]
Enquiries: Lynette Smith, 012 420 2278
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Prof Lorenzo Fioramonti is Associate Professor of Political Science and Jean Monnet Chair in Regional Integration
and Governance Studies at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, where he directs the Centre for the Study of Governance Innovation (www.governanceinnovation.org). |
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