Sir, – Discussions concerning the inclusion of illicit activities (such as illegal drugs and prostitution) in measures of GDP (“Revised figures show economy grew by 2.7 per cent in first quarter”, July 3rd) raise questions about the basis for the inclusion or exclusion of elements in this measure.
The continued exclusion of unpaid domestic work in the home undervalues the contribution of women (who continue to do the bulk of this work). It was estimated in 1990 that its exclusion reduced GDP by 25 to 40 per cent. The arbitrariness of this is illustrated by the fact that if a man marries his housekeeper, GDP declines. Can the difficulties of including this be any greater than those involved in assessing illegal activities?
If not, why not include unpaid domestic work in the home in measures of GDP? – Yours, etc,
Prof PAT O’CONNOR,
Professor of Sociology
and Social Policy,
University of Limerick.