Towards a Social Understanding of Productivity: A Review Article

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Abstract

This review article examines the volume Towards a Social Understanding of Productivity, edited by Andrew Sharpe, France St.-Hilaire, and Keith Banting. The reviewer finds the volume valuable for addressing neglected questions about the relationship between productivity growth and social progress — including the extent to which social factors drive productivity, and whether rising productivity necessarily improves social conditions. Essays highlighted include Richard Harris on social policy and productivity, Tony Fisher and Doug Hostland on Canada’s long-term productivity and living standards, and Bart van Ark on the divergence between GDP per capita in Europe, Canada, and the United States despite similar productivity levels.

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