Patrícia Alves de Matos (CRIA Iscte) submitted, in a personal capacity, a contribution to the United Nations intergovernmental process dedicated to rethinking how to measure societal progress beyond Gross Domestic Product (the so-called ‘Beyond GDP’ process).

The document, entitled “Human Needs, Social Reproduction and Welfare Calculus: The Politics of Measurement Beyond GDP”, responds to the report “Counting What Counts: A Compass of Progress for People and Planet”, drawn up by the High-Level Panel of Experts established by the UN Secretary-General. This report proposes defining progress as equitable, inclusive and sustainable well-being, complementing — rather than replacing — GDP as a benchmark.

The concept of ‘welfare calculus’, developed by Alves de Matos throughout his research, refers to the practical, moral and relational work through which people evaluate options, articulate needs, calibrate how they present themselves and negotiate support within fragmented social protection systems.

With this contribution, the anthropological research carried out at CRIA makes a direct contribution to the international debate on the future of progress indicators, at a time when the United Nations is seeking to redefine what counts — and who is responsible for doing so.

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