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Equality - what is it?

Lotus

I've always thought it would be good to have a more equal society. I don't understand why people think it's ok for some to be rich due to inherited wealth or because of the family they were born into or what school they attended or because they got 'famous'. I also don't understand why most people just seem to accept the fact that there is such a huge discrepancy between the highest paid and lowest paid workers. 

I'm a bit of a weirdo politics wise - I strongly support freedom and personal choice & independence, but I'm also a socialist in many ways as I believe a society should take care of its vulnerable members and I also like the idea of cooperatives and nationalised industries, where many benefit rather than a select few. I don't want to get into a politics debate, this is just to explain what some of my beliefs and ideas are behind my ponderings.

I know it's difficult to determine exactly what is meant by a fair and equal society. Is it fair that a doctor gets paid more than a builder? We need doctors, but we also need homes. Is it fair that someone gets paid loads because they are intelligent and got a law degree, while someone else with a lower IQ works two minimum wage jobs to just barely make ends meet? Should everyone be paid the same rate per hour?  Is it ok for some to live in tiny cramped flats while others live in huge houses and some have multiple homes?

I'm not expecting anything to change - I've accepted that the world is what it is. But just as a theoretical exercise, if human society were to be re-started how would you structure it to make things more equal? Or do you think there shouldn't be equality - that some should be rewarded more for things like having a degree or being skilled at acting or playing a sport?

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  • I've been a Socialist most of my life, and I could probably monopolise this post which would make it tedious and boring for everyone else.  I don't think massively long contributions make for easy reading generally on a forum...  

    I think many confuse Socialism with Communism and that is likely the deliberate aim of the right-wing media.  I don't think anyone would say there should not be reward for attainment, but there has to be a point where - in a decent society - to have/own more than you and those you are responsible for would ever need in your lifetime and still be engaged in the pursuit of wealth has to be looked upon disfavourably.  

    It cannot possibly be right, ethical nor fair - let alone compassionate that many own a multitude of homes that they either rent out for personal gain, or hardly use at all, while over 300,000 are classed as homeless in the UK (Shelter).   Meantime Councils pay out an inordinate amount to private landlords in Housing Benefits because we've so little council housing left, it being the policy of successive Governments to sell it off and not replace it.  

    Let's not get started on everything else that was sold off too, and the amounts we now pay to private firms who run essential services, profiteering at our expense.  What was the purpose of all that privatisation?   Only today we hear of a large hike in the energy cap, again.  

    I think many affluent or wealthy individuals forget that we come into this world with nothing & take nothing out.  It seems to be a pastime of certain individuals to grasp as much as they can during their lifetimes, as if they were playing a game - with no idea or care as to the way the majority have to live, or what they have to endure. 

    I could go on, but you get a flavour of the sentiment.  

Reply

  • I've been a Socialist most of my life, and I could probably monopolise this post which would make it tedious and boring for everyone else.  I don't think massively long contributions make for easy reading generally on a forum...  

    I think many confuse Socialism with Communism and that is likely the deliberate aim of the right-wing media.  I don't think anyone would say there should not be reward for attainment, but there has to be a point where - in a decent society - to have/own more than you and those you are responsible for would ever need in your lifetime and still be engaged in the pursuit of wealth has to be looked upon disfavourably.  

    It cannot possibly be right, ethical nor fair - let alone compassionate that many own a multitude of homes that they either rent out for personal gain, or hardly use at all, while over 300,000 are classed as homeless in the UK (Shelter).   Meantime Councils pay out an inordinate amount to private landlords in Housing Benefits because we've so little council housing left, it being the policy of successive Governments to sell it off and not replace it.  

    Let's not get started on everything else that was sold off too, and the amounts we now pay to private firms who run essential services, profiteering at our expense.  What was the purpose of all that privatisation?   Only today we hear of a large hike in the energy cap, again.  

    I think many affluent or wealthy individuals forget that we come into this world with nothing & take nothing out.  It seems to be a pastime of certain individuals to grasp as much as they can during their lifetimes, as if they were playing a game - with no idea or care as to the way the majority have to live, or what they have to endure. 

    I could go on, but you get a flavour of the sentiment.  

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