Critical Perspectives to Growth-Based Approach as Policy Goal and Dominant Measure of Policy Performance in Slovakia

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to combine a number of critical approaches to economic growth as the dominant policy framework and measure of performance in Slovakia. The dominant policy discourse in Slovakia continues to perceive economic growth, GDP per capita as well as the other economic indicators as the primary measures not only of economic performance but also of public policy and standards of living. Recognizing that as important as they are, they remain measures and means rather than outcomes and goals, it will explore more human welfare-centered and environmentally considerate measures in the context of Slovakia, arguing that both scholars and policymakers need to go beyond the national level of analysis and traditional quantitative methodologies. From a human and welfare perspective, the chapter will look at the Human Development Index (HDI) in Slovakia as an example of an indicator to study the quality of life. It will also problematize more broadly whether focus on growth in the context of climate change-related challenges and the EU Green Deal is still a viable and the most appropriate measure to follow, and to what extent sustainability has been sufficiently integrated and used in Slovakia, in this regard. The chapter will also offer concrete areas where insights from the critical perspectives might be most relevant in the context of Slovakia.

Citation

Csabay, J. (2024), "Critical Perspectives to Growth-Based Approach as Policy Goal and Dominant Measure of Policy Performance in Slovakia", Augustín, M., Jančovič, P. and Sergi, B.S. (Ed.) Modeling Economic Growth in Contemporary Slovakia (Entrepreneurship and Global Economic Growth), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 71-83. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83549-454-720241005