Richer Lives, Not Just Richer Economies
In 1800, worldwide life expectancy was around 30 years of age — where it had remained since time began. By 1900, it had nudged up to 32 globally and risen to 47 in the wealthier parts of the world. By 2023, it is almost 80 worldwide. If you’re not impressed by this modern miracle, then you’re hard to impress. What role does economic growth play in this? After all, economic growth — as measured by Gross Domestic Product — is only a measure of the goods and services an economy produces. It’s not a measure of health, literacy, happiness, or many other things we care about. Some argue that we shouldn’t care about growth at all. In this talk, I will argue that economic growth is vital to human flourishing and to living better lives. As prominent macroeconomist Robert Barro said, “Economic growth is the part of macroeconomics that really matters.”
Bio
Stephen is a Lecturer in the Department of Economics and Finance and the MBA programme. He has taught first year macroeconomics for longer than he cares to remember but a look at his podcast feed will tell you he has clearly not tired of it. Stephen is the recipient of an Ako Aotearoa Tertiary Teaching Excellence award. He has three adult children and a three year old granddaughter. In his spare time he swims, bikes, plays too much online chess and listens to podcasts that his children and long-suffering wife think are far too nerdy. They are probably right.
Event
Tuesday 16 September, 8:00pm @C1 Espresso, 185 High Street, Christchurch Central 8142
Also speaking at this location at 6:30pm is Dr Anna Earl
