The Fabrication of Economic Facts

This lecture delves into the intricate process of constructing economic indicators, focusing on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a case study. The instructor, a postdoctoral researcher in sociology, explores the sociological aspects of quantification, shedding light on how numbers are not objective truths but constructed entities influenced by various factors. By examining the production of GDP figures, the lecture highlights the political implications of quantifications and the impact they have on shaping societal perceptions and actions. Through a detailed analysis of the GDP calculation process, the lecture emphasizes the interpretative nature of measurement work and the conventions that underpin numerical representations. By questioning the production, producers, content, and methodology of economic figures, the lecture provides a critical perspective on the role of quantifications in governance and policymaking.