Can a prosperous economy be built without expoloitation?

Question

Most prosperous civilizations, which i have heard of, have in differeng, forms some element of exploitation. This leads to the suffering of others and prosperity of the benefacting civilization. Most of us know of the slave trade ect, but even today all the prosperous countries and even businesses exploit in order to prosper, eg cheap labour which many clothes manaufacturer employ, slave labour in Dubai, America's oil exploitation, the situation in oil rich yet poverty striken Nigeria, supermarkets who use minimum wage workers, to name just a few. So my question is, is it possible to raise anything prosperous without exploitation or is exploitation a prerequisite for economic growth and prosperity.

: This question was asked, without advocation of any political forms of government. Socialism also exploits the people, as the government spreads the wealth, so in theory those that contribute no productivity will receive a chunk of the wealth produced by the productive.

Answer 1

Yes, it is possible and desirable, but an improbability.

Answer 2

In ABSOLUTE terms the answer is that there IS exploitation; however, in relative terms-- where new immigrants would be prepared to work longer or harder to gain advancement, the answer is that what you call "exploitation" ISN'T AS EXPLOITATIVE AS YOU MIGHT THINK! If we are talking about taking health risks, I'd certainly call that EXPLOITATION, as I would working in the sex trade! On the other hand, quite a bit of money can be earned...so, risks are offset by WHAT THE PERSON IS PREPARED TO PUT UP WITH. I think that a person SHOULD BE INFORMED OF WHAT THE HAZARDS ARE, and based on accurate (not deceptive) information, be allowed to decide for him/herself whether the risks are worth the financial gain as regards his or her situation. Someone must be prepared to take the risks that others would not contemplate--in any society whether that society is prosperous or not! A prosperous society should have good health care and be able to limit injurious risk.

Answer 3

THE QUESTION:

"...is it possible to raise anything prosperous without exploitation or is exploitation a prerequisite for economic growth and prosperity."
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The question arises from false premises. If we separate economic "actors" into "labor and management", it remains an ancient verity that economic growth and prosperity flourishes when both "classes" are well-rewarded.

The theory of "exploitation" assumes a discredited (mercantile) basis of economically organized society. Capitalist society rightly recognizes that both "labor" and "management" are human beings with identical incentives.

Empirically, history shows that an economic society organized on the exploitation of one class or another lags one where both are rewarded to their merits, whether that society is the recent USSR or the slave-holding US Confederacy. Examples are plentiful, and "twin studies" prove the point (E Germany v W Germany; N Korea v S Korea, most recently).
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"Exploitation" is much more often used (cynically) as a political term, not as an economic one. Confusion on this issue has turned history down the wrong road more than twice.

Answer 4

Exploitation is a symptom of a lack of morals, not civilizations economic growth. Immoral individuals, businesses and governments will always exploit workers, natural resources and other civilizations.

"A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeeded be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death." Albert Einstein

Answer 5

A provocative question no doubt but moreso since you display a prescience that by omission acknowledges the philosophical probes into the question.

Are you inviting a re-opening of the dogma that's been rubbished and failed in its application?

Socialism as we know it is the only answer to the conundrum you poise. The welfare state adduces some principles of such a state...but it builds its economy on the principles of capitalism.

Will capitalism endure as Fukuyama alleges?
Even Star Trek Voyager contradicts him. In one episode where cryogenated bodies over 500 years in space have been regenerated the Captain of the ship tells the men who demand to re-open their bank accounts on earth (500 yrs old bank accounts that they left open on earth) that the world has changed and money means naught. The development of humans and a new way of life has replaced the old. I found that amazing. They were referring to the taboo that the capitalist world would like to see eradicated from the memory of all living things. the

Answer 6

As long as greed exists, yes, there will always be exploitation. It always, ALWAYS comes down to getting as much of a profit as possible.

Answer 7

Ususally when people or nations get rich, someone else is being stepped on in the process, so you answered your own question, and you are right.

Answer 8

good question. some faction has to gain substantially for anything to prosper.I suppose someone has to get the short end of the stick for this to happen.

Answer 9

I sure can because I never wear socks unless the weather gets way below freezing.

Answer 10

A good start might be an honest days pay for an honest day's work... Sure it can.