Government Responsibility in Tackling Social Inequality: Economic Considerations and Community Role
The essay continues to explore the debate between individualist and collectivist approaches to social inequality, focusing on economic considerations and the role of communities.
Collectivists argue that addressing inequality now will lead to future cost savings in areas such as health, crime, and benefits. They provide an example that alcohol-related crime costs £727 million per year, suggesting that tackling underlying inequalities could reduce such expenses.
Highlight: The collectivist argument emphasizes the long-term economic benefits of addressing social inequality, potentially leading to reduced government expenditure in the future.
Individualists, on the other hand, contend that the current economic climate, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, makes it challenging to allocate resources to reduce inequality. They cite Rishi Sunak's statement that the UK's "economic emergency has only just begun" and the government's £280 billion expenditure to address the coronavirus crisis.
Quote: "In November 2020, Rishi Sunak said that the UK's 'economic emergency has only just began' and that the government was providing £280 billion this year to get the country through the coronavirus crisis."
The essay also discusses the individualist belief that local communities, rather than the government, should play a primary role in meeting people's needs. This is exemplified by the nearly one million volunteers who joined the Ready Scotland and Good Sam volunteer armies during the pandemic.
Example: The massive volunteer response during the COVID-19 pandemic is presented as evidence supporting the individualist argument for community-based solutions to social issues.
However, the essay notes that even individualist governments may adopt collectivist approaches during times of crisis. This is illustrated by the Conservative government's actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased NHS funding, wage guarantees, benefit increases, and housing provisions for homeless individuals.
Highlight: The essay points out that the COVID-19 pandemic has blurred the lines between individualist and collectivist approaches, with traditionally individualist governments implementing collectivist policies in response to the crisis.
This section of the essay provides a nuanced examination of the dependency culture in individualist versus collectivist debate, considering economic factors and the role of community involvement in addressing social inequality. It demonstrates how real-world events, such as the pandemic, can challenge and reshape ideological positions on government responsibility in tackling social issues.
