In: Economics
what are some of criticisms of real and nominal GDP as measures of output?
anss...
Criticisms of nominal GDP as a measure of output:
GDP does account for economic bads like pollution that takes
place during the production of the goods. While no subtractions to
GDP are made for their harmful effects, market transactions made in
an effort to correct the bad effects are added to GDP.
GDP does not include barter and cash transactions that take place
outside of recorded marketplaces are referred to as the underground
economy. These activities are sometimes legal ones that are
undertaken so as to avoid taxes and sometimes they are outright
illegal acts, such as trafficking in illegal drugs.
A change in quality or new products added as a replacement of old
ones are also not considered in GDP statistics. Many products, such
as cars and medical devices, are of higher quality and offer better
features than what was available previously. Many consumer
electronics, such as cell phones and DVD players, did not exist
until recently.