Reading Circle II- Fall 2026 – Session (2) : Progress, Wellbeing, and the Metrics We Choose

Reading Circle II - Fall 2026 | Values in Systems Thinking

Objectives and indicators decide what a system is optimised for. What do income, health, and decent living each make visible, and what falls outside the frame entirely? 

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was designed for a narrow accounting purpose and subsequently came to stand for social progress. As an example, the disability-adjusted life year reshaped global health priorities more decisively than argument did. Decent living standards also offer a way to look beyond economic growth. The metrics can help to define what a good life requires, and each redirects resources accordingly. 

Suggested readings: 

• Costanza, R., Kubiszewski, I., Giovannini, E. et al. Development: Time to leave GDP behind. Nature 505, 283–285 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/505283a 
• Rao, N.D., Min, J. Decent Living Standards: Material Prerequisites for Human Wellbeing. Soc Indic Res 138, 225–244 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-017-1650-0

Event Time: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM