Sep 1, 2023

GDP doesn’t care how you feel

Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Today, we look at economists' push to measure quality of life. Plus, the fight over a West Texas gas pipeline.

Segments From this episode

The Weekly Wrap

by Kai Ryssdal

It’s a jobs market to celebrate this Labor Day Weekend. Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal, The New York Times’ Ana Swanson and The Washington Post’s Heather Long dig into this week’s economic data, then discuss Secretary Raimondo’s visit to China and the Biden administration’s economic messaging problems.

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Labor force participation approaches pre-pandemic levels

by Mitchell Hartman

Sep 1, 2023

The participation rate, which includes people actively looking for jobs, rose in August for those 55 and older, women, teenagers and others.

Labor force participation has been rising among women age 25 to 54 — many of whom stopped working when the pandemic complicated child care and schooling.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images

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When it comes to measuring economic welfare, GDP doesn't cut it

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst

Sep 1, 2023

Gross domestic product has been the standard measure for economic growth since 1944, but it doesn't measure the quality of life.

GDP has been a global standard for measuring economic growth since 1944, but it doesn't measure economic welfare.

Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty I ages

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Small businesses are still struggling to hire. But the situation's improving.

by Justin Ho

Sep 1, 2023

The good news: The lowest proportion of small businesses since March 2021 reported having trouble hiring. The bad news: It's still 40%.

Forty percent of small businesses reported having trouble filling job openings last month.

Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

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In West Texas, a budding pipeline fight highlights activists' changing tactics

by Travis Bubenik

Sep 1, 2023

Pipeline opponents across the U.S. have taken to emphasizing the projects' impacts on private property rights.

Opponents of the Saguaro Connector pipeline hosted a community meeting this summer in Van Horn, Texas.

Travis Bubenik

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Music from the episode

How's It Wrong Toro y Moi

Milestone BJ The Chicago Kid, Jadakiss, Pete Rock, Smoke DZA, Styles P

Never Catch Me Flying Lotus, Kendrick Lamar

Circles Post Malone

Bustling Freddie Joachim

Franklin's Tower Grateful Dead

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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