There is an inherent existential drive of our society for order, for us to be productive participants. It would seem that we are nothing more than economic units driven to produce and consume goods and services. Of course, the emphasis is on consumption.
If we are all on the same page, our economy works well, and we all have a stake in maintaining this conformity. But recent socio-economic indicators suggest that something is not working within this model, and we, the workers, are paying the price. Job security is no longer a luxury that we can rely upon. We have already seen the exportation of jobs– outsourced to other countries – as part of the effect of the technological revolution.
Even here in Alberta, where there is a current shortage of skilled workers, there is talk of exporting the manufacturing to Korea, or other countries – a short-term fix, with long-term consequences. As corporations recognize the benefits of exporting this level of manufacturing, unemployment will grow, and, ultimately, our ability to consume will diminish.
The problem is that the economy is amoral, and it is inhuman. Its sole raison d’Ä™tre is to produce profits for anonymous shareholders, with little regard to the social consequences of its decisions. Its own economic well-being is all that matters.
There is some irony in all this. Though a corporation is a legal personality under law, it does not have the same duties or responsibilities to society as we do. Yet, these corporations seem to have more power and influence over our political and economic system than we do. They have placed demands upon the politicians, allowing for the undermining of our economy, and giving less and less back to our society. And it would seem that our political trustees have mismanaged this economy.
The net consequence of this is that it will diminish our attachments, our commitments, and our beliefs in those corporations and our economy. Employee loyalties will be a thing of the past, the result of the diminished corporate loyalty to us. Productivity will also wane, with the result of a further reduction in corporate investment into our society. The combination will result in a de facto downward spiral of the economy. Uncertainty will become the norm. A society whose citizens are unsure about their own economic well-being will not participate as the system intended.
If one sees this as a bit of fear mongering, remember the evidence is already present in Europe where economic confidence is dissipating. Take heart, it is not all doom and gloom. If those responsible for our economic policies are willing to learn from these mistakes, if corporations invest in our economy and in us instead of sitting on the sidelines, there may still be some hope to divert what is a potential economic disaster. Then we can all benefit with a renewed faith in being productive and consuming members of society.
John Kennair is an international consultant and doctor of laws who lives in St. Albert.
