Grotesque inequality is not a natural part of being human

Studies showing we are innately selfless debunk the idea that dog-eat-dog capitalism is our only optionFor those of us who believe in a more just and equal world, reality is a relentless test of our optimism. Nearly half-a-million Britons are reported to have been driven to food banks in the first half of this year, and yet this is one of the most prosperous nations that has ever existed. Squalor is accompanied by unparalleled wealth: indeed, the fortunes of the richest 1,000 Britons have doubled during five years of economic trauma. Rampant greed goes unchecked, while benefit claimants, immigrants and public sector workers are relentlessly scrutinised and attacked. The global picture is even grimmer: according to the World Food Programme, 805 million people don’t have “enough food to lead a healthy and active life” despite there being more than enough food to feed every human being, while 67 billionaires possess as much wealth as the poorest 3.5 billion people.Few would openly defend such grotesque inequality as a rational or just distribution of wealth, but any challenges to this system are easily dismissed. Selfishness and greed are often conveniently portrayed as innate human characteristics. By nature, it is argued, we are in it for ourselves. Attempting to build an order where people’s needs are prioritised over the interests of profit is doomed, because it goes against the grain of what it is to be human. Inequality fosters “the spirit of envy”, as Conserva...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Equality Poverty Food banks Society Psychology Science Rich lists Recession Business UK news World news Source Type: news