Economic Equality in the Co-Operative Commonwealth

Description

Originally published in 1933 in the midst of the Great Depression, this book discussed the possibility of a new and orderly economic system to realize social justice. The author argued that nothing but the complete equality of reward could ensure a stable order. Although utopian in its outlook, the book addressed many of the concerns of the (then) existing order. The book explains the origin of differences between different people, give a brief account of the economic theory of the capitalist system and investigates the economics of the growing demand for social and economic equality. It then discusses in more detail the most efficient economic organization to provide and safeguard the welfare of the population on the basis of equality, followed by a discussion of the economic principles involved in price-fixing and foreign trade. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Original Title Page Original Copyright Page Table of Contents Preface Part I: Ideas and Ideals Chapter I. Present and Future Recent Progress A Period of Change Compulsory General Education The Demand for Social Justice Radical and Socialist Reforms Mere Palliatives Anticipation Chapter II. Human Evolution The Study of Progress The Survival of the Fittest Group Selection The Importance of Tradition Variations of Individuals Altruists and Egoists Chapter III. Composition of the People Occupational Selection in Primitive Times Racial Qualities and Mixtures Modern Occupational Selection Occupations of Women Effects of Occupation on Character Chapter IV. The Social Classes Nations and Classes Primitive Regulation of Population Origin of Caste in Social Function Incomes of Ability Scarce in Relation to Demand Incomes Dependent on Property Conditions of Growth of the Propertied Classes The Social Ladder Chapter V. Defects of the Capitalist System The Science of Economics Economics of the Competitive System Rent of Land Differences of Capital Goods Adjustment of Supply to Demand Labour Supply The Standard of Living Effect of Trade Union Rule on Supply Earnings of Intellectual Labour Interest on Capital Profits Wastes of the Competitive System The Avoidance of Waste in Industries Chapter VI. Economic Reasons for Equality Social Tendencies The Demand for Equality The Origin of Inequality of Incomes Economic Causes of Inequality of Incomes Equality of Earnings Possible in the Competitive System Principle of Minimum for Efficiency Principle of Unequal Sacrifice The Inevitable Tendency to Equality of Remuneration Chapter VII. Incentives to Labour Declining Effectiveness of Individual Self-Interest Incentives in the Existing Economic System Other Egoistic Incentives Altruistic Incentives Incentives to Labour Under Communism Chapter VIII. The Objective Moral Gains The Spiritual Gain The Revival of Art Intellectual Life Politics The Content of Life Part II: Economic Organization Chapter IX. National Economy General Plan of Organization The Organization of Production The Control of Industry The Organization of Supply Housing Accommodation Stores and the Supply of Goods to them Chapter X. Production and the National Dividend Total Production Stream The Capital Fund The National Dividend Occupations and the National Dividend Occupations Under Communism Social Results of Capitalist Waste The Increase of the National Dividend Chapter XI. The Distribution of Wealth The Theory of Equal Means of Enjoyment The Abolition of Money The Need of Variety in Methods of Supply Nature of 'Money' Units and 'Prices' Incomes and Satisfaction Equal Opportunity of Enjoyment Immigration and Emigration Delinquents Chapter XII. The Fixing of Prices General Principles Cost of Production Interest Remaining Supplementary Costs Distribution Costs Summary of Costs Forming the Basis of Price The Price Level and the General Allowance Chapter XIII. Foreign Trade Organization and Finance Comparative Costs Comparison of Marginal Costs with Foreign Prices Cyclical Fluctuations of Trade Part III: Realization Chapter XIV. Preparation for the Change A New Social Morality A Social Purpose Preliminary Research Enlightenment Socialist Propaganda Chapter XV. Progress in Organization A Gradual Social Revolution Distinction between Socialism and Labourism The Press and the Films Existing Socialist Parties and Associations Need for a Consistent Organization of Political Activities The Industrial Policy of Organized Labour Existing Institutions of Socialist Character Chapter XVI. The Transition The Instability of a Socialistic System Preparatory Measures The Fundamental Laws Property in the Transition Organizing Continuity of Production and Services The Redistribution of Labour Temporary Compromise Arrangements Willing Effort and the Joy of Achievement Appendix I: Mill on Communism Appendix II: (A): Relative Increase of Non-Producing Workers (B): Productivity of Modern Machinery Appendix III: Bibliography Index