Our Social Future

It is my contention that social inequality, beyond a certain magnitude, becomes a fundamental cause of many of the World's problems. Anyone who has been in the presence of extreme poverty knows that it just feels wrong, regardless of any data or research studies. Within and between countries, huge disparities in social or economic status lead to psycological, health, law and order and many other types of problem.

I say "beyond a certain magnitude" because there are strong arguments in favour of some measure of disparity to motivate those with less to strive for more. What we have to guard against is these incentives leading to greed and corruption. Fair competition on a "level playing field" is potentially a force for innovation and growth.

In general this thesis provides direction for any given society: If it is one with relatively large disparities, actions should tend to reduce these disparities, whereas relatively egalitarian societies should avoid actions that increase gross inequalities. Ultimately the key test is that, over time, citizens have increasing equality of opportunity. This in turn should lead to individuals having more power over their own lives.