Income Equality

Is there ever a possibility for income equality to exist amongst all classes to benefit the economy as a whole? There is a possibility but I don’t think it would be pursued as a goal. Society operates in a hierarchy because as a group of people, there is need for organization and so there will always be those fortunate and less fortunate or there would be no order. At least this is how I see the world for now. It's almost as if there must be some sort of imbalance for there to be a sense of calm. What are your thoughts?

 

I think that would be more than fair that equality existed, but I am not seeing that happen, people just want to accumulate capital and not distribute it, so more and more inequality will exist.

 

I don't think it's possible. And I'm not entirely sure it would be fair.

From what I understand, Russia faced this problem during their communist period. The theory is admirable. But unfortunately and fortunately, not everyone's work ethic or capability is the same. Some people are brilliant at what they do, and some are willing to work harder, longer, quicker, and just plain better than others. If you equalized income, what incentive would people have to be better, do better, work harder, study longer?

Would you work as hard and as long if you knew your neighbor was making a similar amount of money for less work?

Again, I love the theory. But until we fix the basic problems within people's make-up / character, you will still have problems. That's why every governmental and political system ends up being some sort of failure. The problem is not the system. Instead, it's the people, the individual.

 

You have a very good point. Though I think laborers should in general be paid more (for both individual well-being and national stability), business owners should definitely get paid a higher wage (than the laborer) for the effort they have put in to make their business successful. A successful business usuaully means less sleep, less fun time, less "real" vacation time, less financial security... Yes, the rewards can be enormous, but there's also always a chance of a huge devastating loss. All it takes is one misstep on their part, sometimes it doesn't even have to be their misstep.

 

I do not think that , it can be allowed, but if it were to be allowed, then it will be a great equality factor.

 

I don't think that complete income equality will ever exist. And there are good reasons for that, as pointed out above. I received a lot of education for my job, and have a lot of responsibility. So yes, I should be paid more than someone who works at McDonald's for those reasons - no extra education required, minimal responsibility. And there are plenty of people who have more responsibilities in their jobs than I do - and should be (and are) paid more than me.

But I do think we need to put a lot of work into shrinking the income inequality gap. Everyone, from the custodian/fast food worker on up, should be able to afford at least the basics in the area where they live. Those with greater responsibilities, more education, etc. will be rewarded more and will be able to afford more of the luxuries in life. But the low end of the population should not have to live as they do now. For example, food. Currently the low end of the population eats cheap food lacking in nutrition (or they don't eat at all), while the upper end of the population dines out at 4 star restaurants. I think the low end of the population should be able to afford to buy healthy food. Not necessarily to shop at Whole Foods, but they shouldn't have to shop for their food at dollar stores either.

 

Income equality among classes... no, I'm afraid that would knock too many things out of kilter (like you and the other posters have already said.)

Now gender equality, we can only hope. I *do* think that is possible if a woman puts just as much into her career, business, etc. as a counterpart male puts in. Racial pay equality? Well that one shouldn't even be an issue just like gender, but sadly it is.