a system of measurement; standards of measurement
From Greek 'metrikos' meaning 'of or pertaining to measuring', from 'metron' (measure)
In the business world, 'metrics' became a buzzword because it sounds more sophisticated than simply saying 'measurements' - but they mean essentially the same thing!
Metrics as quantification systems have historically prioritized measurable domains (warfare, economics, production) controlled by men while devaluing care work, emotional labor, and reproductive work performed primarily by women. This measurement bias shaped policy and resource allocation.
When selecting metrics, ask what is being counted and what is rendered invisible. Include qualitative indicators and value care/relational work alongside economic output.
["indicators","measurements","assessments"]
Feminist economists (Waring, Federici) documented how GDP excludes women's unpaid labor worth trillions; reframing metrics visibility acknowledges that value.
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