published on the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Blog, September 2010
A narrow-minded old-school economist would say: “Great, GDP is increasing, economic growth is high. Everything is getting better.” An enlightened anti-consumerist economist would counter: “Look closer. Both X and Y now have stomach ulcers from overwork, take antidepressants, their family lives are brittle, and their social lives are in tatters. They are richer – but only in useless status symbols.” In the words of the Spirit Level authors:
“If an important part of consumerism is driven by emulation, status competition, or simply having to run to keep up with everyone else, and is basically about social appearances and position, this would explain why we continue to pursue economic growth despite its apparent lack of benefits. If everyone wants more money because it improves self-image and status in relation to others, then each person’s desire to be richer does not add up to a societal desire for economic growth”
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