How could someone say capitalism is a good system when it disallows the idea of equality?

Question

Not everyone has equal oppertunity to succeed, though.

Answer 1

All men are created equal. What you do after that is up to you.

Answer 2

There is no such thing as equality. Are you thinking that communism, or socialism would create equality? Maybe for some classes, but class differences would still exist, and you could not do anything about it.

That was my initial response,

However, with additional thought, what about the idea that capitalism allows equality. Wouldn’t it also allow for social class movement? We as a society tend to judge one another by what we have, not what we are. If I desire a better situation, something to equal another person’s situation, I will have to put forth hard work and effort, and I can attain and achieve what anyone else has.

I don't think capitalism disallows the idea of equality, rather Capitalism also preys upon equality, everyone wants to be at least as good as their neighbor right? Therefore, it allows people to market and sell their goods simply because people see it in society.

We are a messed up society, however, there is still nothing better out there.

Answer 3

There is a difference between equality and equal opportunity. Capitalism thrives on equal opportunity.
By providing extra competition for valuable skills, capitalism is successful in keeping those skilled positions filled.
Unrestrained capitalism is a bad idea, because then, people with few skills may not be valued at all. But government can provide oversight so that all members of the public have a reasonable living.

Equal opportunity is a challenge for many economic systems. I do not know of any that completely ensures that no skilled people go without training and development to be their best.

Answer 4

Really? I know many who have risen out of poverty within the US and ended up multi-millionaires.

True, not everyone has an equal opportunity to accomplish so much, but that is most often due to their own familial circumstances, individual ability, aptitude and motivation.

I, also, know many who have come to this country with nothing, not even speaking the language and are now, millionaires, also.

They come here because they know their efforts will be rewarded and they don't blow their opportunities along the way. Careful planning and hard work can lead anyone with the ability and desire to work into much better circumstances in this country.

Answer 5

Why not? Equality is a myth made up by the feel good left. All were not created equal. We are all different. And some succeed when others do not. Get over it. Life is not fair. would you care to live under Communism?

Answer 6

Equality isn't necessarily the highest value against which to measure. Nor does capitalism disallow equality -- as a theoretical system, every individual has equal opportunity to succeed or fail on his own efforts.

Answer 7

It's a good system because someone needs a service or good. Another someone is skilled at providing that service or manufacturing that good. The person who needs the service or good pays money to the person providing that service or good. So the person who needs it gets what they need and the person who makes the good or provides the service gets paid. Everyone wins.

Equality is impossible. You have to have a standard. Should everyone have a 200k dollar house? Or should everyone have a 2 million dollar house? Where's the line? And who's going to pay for it?

Answer 8

How can somebody say that nature is a good system since it disallows equality by creating some people very ugly and some people extemely beautiful? JJ, you must be very young, I bet that you aren't even 20 years old yet since you keep asking these really immature questions.

Answer 9

Simply because true capitalism makes everything better for everybody.with capitalism you get compettition and through this competition you get the highest quality of goods and services at the best available prices. when things are equal and controled by one entity you get fluxuations in quality and price. a good example of how equality would work is with the oil companies and the price of gas. all the prices are controled by one entity and we the customers get screwed with a high price because the one entity has no one trying to compete with it. they can set the price as high as they want because where the hell else are we going to get it.

Answer 10

Capitalism is definitely not a good system.
The citizens of a Capitalist society are exploited by the rich in a very sophisticated way that we call Democracy. The only power that People have is to elect some unknown candidate to public office and after that they do as they are told.
The People are efficiently controlled by the Media through advertising, news, movies, documentaries, political debates and so on and so forth, where Consumerism rules.
The more you consume the bigger the corporation's profit but you DO NOT profit as well. You are just a mere tool for them to achieve profit.
The ideal society would be one where ALL individuals were respected and viewed as equals living and working for the BENEFIT OF ALL, not just a handful.
Therefore Capitalism is IMORAL.