Greater Social Cohesion the Solution to Economic Inequality

Greater Social Cohesion the Solution to Economic Inequality

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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