Economic development is an issue which is always carefully addressed by every country on the planet. Yet, as demonstrated by Marilyn Waring, economists do not take into consideration important factors when counting national economic activities. Waring shows how the imperfections of economics prevent society from progressing forward.
The documentary “Who’s Counting? Marilyn Waring on Sex, Lies and Global Economics” provides the audience with an insight into how economics works. The primary aspect which was noteworthy for me is the existing problem in the economics field of women labor’s unproductivity. I agree with the perspective of Waring that it is unfair that women who work their entire lives do not become entitled to any social benefits because they do not generate any monetary value. Waring highlights the imperfection of economics, which is also noted by Raworth (2017), who demonstrates that instead of focusing on GDP growth, countries can achieve better human prosperity by setting clear goals. For instance, I learned that the arms trade is one of the biggest GDP growth drivers of many countries; therefore, the destruction of life is considered economically valuable (Nash, 1995). At the same time, arms are important for protecting the prosperity of nations.
Waring presents an interesting perspective on the effects of economics on social prosperity. I agree that activities such as the unpaid labor of women must be recognized as productive. Therefore, it would be reasonable to offer certain benefits to women for childcare and housework.
References
Nash, T. (1995). Who’s counting? Marilyn Waring on sex, lies and global economics [Film]. The National Film Board of Canada.
Raworth, K. (2017). Doughnut economics: Seven ways to think like a 21st-century economist. Chelsea Green Publishing.