The Blindfolded Giant. The Structural Persistence of GDP in the Age of Its Alternatives

This article explores the structural persistence of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the dominant indicator of economic performance, despite the proliferation of alternative metrics developed under the Beyond GDP agenda. Through a critical review of the literature, the analysis identifies three interrelated layers that reinforce the centrality of GDP: its institutional codification through national accounting systems and international frameworks; its analytical role in output- and efficiency-centred economic models; and its alignment with a paradigm of quantitative growth. The paper also makes reference to key alternative indicators, such as corrected monetary metrics, multidimensional dashboards, ecosystem-based accounts and well-being measures. It argues that their limited uptake is not due to technical deficiencies, but to the enduring epistemic and institutional structures in which GDP is embedded and that determine what is counted, valued and governed in economic policy.