Explain how distribution of GDP is its limitation as a measure of econ...
In a Nutshell
Despite several shortcomings GDP is commonly used as an indicator of social welfare. ... As a result, GDP fails to account for non-market transactions, wealth distribution, the effects of externalities, and the types of goods or services that are being produced within the economy.
Explain how distribution of GDP is its limitation as a measure of econ...
Limitations of GDP as a Measure of Economic Welfare:
Distribution of GDP:
- GDP measures the total market value of all goods and services produced within a country in a given period. However, it does not account for how this wealth is distributed among the population.
- The distribution of GDP among individuals or households is not uniform. There could be a situation where a country's GDP is increasing, but the benefits are only going to a small segment of the population, leading to widening income inequality.
- In cases where a significant portion of the GDP is concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy individuals or corporations, the overall economic welfare of the society may not accurately reflect the GDP growth. This could result in a situation where the majority of the population does not experience an improvement in their standard of living despite an increase in GDP.
- Furthermore, GDP does not take into account non-market transactions, such as household work or volunteer activities, which contribute to the overall well-being of a society but are not captured in GDP calculations.
- As a result, using GDP as the sole indicator of economic welfare can be misleading, as it fails to consider how the wealth generated is distributed among the population and does not provide a comprehensive picture of the overall economic well-being of a society.
In conclusion, while GDP is a useful measure of a country's economic output, it is important to consider its limitations, particularly in terms of distribution, when assessing the overall welfare of a society.