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Amir Eden

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Greater Social Cohesion the Solution to Economic Inequality

Posted: 03/01/12 14:11 GMT

It's always been argued that economic inequality is something which cannot be perfectly addressed. Although many great individuals have fought and died to accelerate equality, it seems a never-ending issue. In these current times only a few contemplate on the thought of a solution to the division between rich and poor. People have simply become exhausted in striving for equality and so they have given up and have come to the conclusion that any effort to rectify this issue is impossible.

Is there really no solution to this problem? Of course there is. There is a theory which has existed for a very long time, but has never been exaggerated enough. This theory is the special ingredient missing in modern societies; which is believed to be one of the foundations which make a great civilization. The theory was distinguished by one of the forerunners of modern historiography, sociology and economics, ibn Khaldun, which talks of greater social cohesion the solution to inequality as a whole.

What is Social Cohesion, you might ask? Well, it basically is the bonds or 'glue' that bring people together in society. It is a theory where the people have tolerance and respect for one another and where there are positive interactions between individuals and communities. More importantly in regards to economic equality it identifies a practice first initiated in the early middle ages; the responsibility of the rich or those who are 'well off' to the poor. I'm sure most of us have heard the saying 'With great power comes great responsibility' well basically that is it. If the rich or those who are 'well off' were to provide to those who are needy, to those who are poor with the necessities required for a good standard of living, we would be working towards economic equality.

Understandably one might argue that such a theory is 'easier said than done' and that the problem of economic inequality is something which is deep-rooted within the fabric of society, formed together by several components such as discriminatory attitudes towards one another, unethical trading and a 'big time' sense of greed, accompanied by the saying's it's a dog eat dog world' and that it's all about the 'survival of the fittest'.

Even with such deep-rooted problems, be sure of one thing it doesn't mean it's impossible to tackle. Did legends such as Martin Luther-King or Malcolm X, sit still and say it's impossible, no. They fought for equality, together, with people as a whole. The same applies in the matter of the solution to economic inequality; social cohesion. Our society needs more 'togetherness' in the sense that struggles, in this case the struggle for equality is fought for, together, as a united people.

For if we are 'broken', divided then it may seem impossible, but if we, from every class, from every ethnicity, from every religion would work together to create greater social cohesion, then the odds would be astronomical in that we would see economic equality. First step believe, second step become a cohering people and the third step achieve. Some of you must be thinking that this solution is too ambitious, maybe it is and maybe it isn't. But such a brilliant, yet simple idea has been forgotten for a long time and its time we see it being encouraged more. Some hope can be seen from the conservative's policy of 'big society', although this is a tangential solution to inequality, it's a start none the less and something we can expand upon.

 
 
 

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08:47 PM on 01/05/2012
Hi Amir

Nice ideas, but I think there are some key issues to address. For me, your key weakness is not defining what you mean by 'economic equality' or explaining why we need it. Do you mean that we should all be on the same incomes? That wealth should be more equally shared? If so, then you need to explain WHY you think this is desirable.

Furthermore, I don't really understand how you see greater social cohesion being engendered. Your argument seems to be that if you wish it, it will happen. This may be true on an individual level (though I have my doubts) but for everyone to start wishing for the same thing ... I'm not convinced.
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Amir Eden
05:19 PM on 01/07/2012
• Hi

Thanks for taking your time to read my blog; you have some fair and just points. However this post is just an introduction to social cohesion. Nevertheless what I mean by economic equality is not that we should all be on the same incomes, but that every one of its provided with the necessities to have a good standard of living; good shelter, food, water, clothes etc. those who cannot provide for themselves should be aided by those who are rich and 'well off'. Why we need it - as humans we all have a responsibility to society.

Economic equality is required to achieve peace, coherence between communities etc. Social cohesion has the properties of rectifying many problems, economic inequality being one of them. If we were to encourage such a thing, we would be working towards equality as a whole, addressing issues such as ethnic difference¬s, religious difference¬s etc.

indeed it sounds ambitious but in regards to economic inequality the method is simple in that the rich or the 'well off' should provide the necessities to those who require them and to help them become capable of providing for themselves.

On this issue there is much to be said and discussed which cannot be addressed in a small blog. Please contact me to discuss in further detail.

Kind Regards

Amir Eden