Matthew Taylor's Blog - What has become of society?
03 October 2008
I am just preparing to write the final summary chapter for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation social evils project (see earlier blogs for further discussions). So, having read the thoughts of figures as diverse as Ferdinand Mount, A C Grayling, and Zygmunt Bauman, with such an array of perspectives, I was surprised to see that one theme runs powerfully through them all: what has become of society?
Those on the left tend to the bemoan the decline of social solidarity, rising inequality and the stigmatisation of the poor; while those on the right bemoan the decline in social norms reflected in rising crime and disorder, and a lack of civility. Many on the left and right worry about the weakening of social cohesion reflected in tensions around diversity and identity.
There is something about all of which echoes the universal condemnation of the greed and irresponsibility that have precipitated the credit. All our leaders – with the benefit of hindsight of course – criticise the erosion of supervision and responsibility. The big question is why, if so many of our opinion formers and decision makers can see the problems and the risks facing us, they were unable to provide effective leadership. The looming economic recession is a consequence of the failure of leadership to alert us to the perils ahead and we face a deepening social recession unless we are able to warn our Fellow citizens of the consequences of loosening the ties that bind us without replacing them with new ways of holding society together.
I’m writing this on my blackberry on my way to speak to the great and good of Wiltshire. I wonder what they will make of my connecting of economic and social ills – perhaps I’ll blog in again on the way back and tell you how I get on.
Those on the left tend to the bemoan the decline of social solidarity, rising inequality and the stigmatisation of the poor; while those on the right bemoan the decline in social norms reflected in rising crime and disorder, and a lack of civility. Many on the left and right worry about the weakening of social cohesion reflected in tensions around diversity and identity.
There is something about all of which echoes the universal condemnation of the greed and irresponsibility that have precipitated the credit. All our leaders – with the benefit of hindsight of course – criticise the erosion of supervision and responsibility. The big question is why, if so many of our opinion formers and decision makers can see the problems and the risks facing us, they were unable to provide effective leadership. The looming economic recession is a consequence of the failure of leadership to alert us to the perils ahead and we face a deepening social recession unless we are able to warn our Fellow citizens of the consequences of loosening the ties that bind us without replacing them with new ways of holding society together.
I’m writing this on my blackberry on my way to speak to the great and good of Wiltshire. I wonder what they will make of my connecting of economic and social ills – perhaps I’ll blog in again on the way back and tell you how I get on.
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Lisa P - 10 Dec 2008 6:06am
This isn’t only about economy or our leaders, but this is about us, PEOPLE. Since, with this economic recession, we are the most affected. But then, we still rely on government’s actions. Whatever decision or action they take, its effect will be ours. But, does recession and depression mean the same thing? I couldn’t hold back a laugh after reading something on Yahoo Answers. The “Asker” wanted to know the difference between recession and depression, and she wanted the information in “girly terms.” Despite what girly terms actually mean, the Asker received quite a straightforward response. The American economy is analyzed by quarter. When the production is high, it is considered economic growth. A recession occurs when three consecutive quarters (nine months) of decreased production takes place. When a recession is deep and long, it is then considered a depression. Neither is for the better when it comes to recession and depression. There’s no doubt that our current recession has left an ugly mark in America’s standard of living. However, there are many things we can do to help us endure these trying times, like better managing our consumption and practice conservation. If you need some financial assistance for an unexpected financial affair, a pay day loan can help get that sting out of your budget. Lastly, and I really hope that people are aware about the difference between the two words-“recession” and “depression” To read more on <a title="What are Payday Loans?" rev="vote-for" href="http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/what-are-payday-loans-2/">Payday Loans</a>, click the link.