Social injustice is the product of a myriad of social structures, and capitalism is at the heart of Western social structure.
We can choose to see capitalism as having a negative impact on our society, or we can pause and consider the opportunity that presents itself.
Money is a primary driver in Western civilization – really, it is a primary driver in every monetary society on Earth, including non-capitalist societies – and money does not need to be a necessary evil.
In fact, money need not be an evil at all.
Put to good use, capitalism can drive positive change and champion social and environmental justice.
Capitalism is already driving positive change – sustainable energy programs are being developed by businesses, major charities and foundations are funded in part or in whole by corporations, and “B” corporations and other social enterprises are placing equal emphasis on people and planet as they are on profit, just to name a few examples.
Capitalism has played its part in so much social injustice, but that does not preclude it from playing a part in social justice.
As socially-minded entrepreneurs start new businesses or take them over from previous generations, they are able to direct the power of capitalism towards the common good, towards bettering the lives of humanity rather than solely for their own pocketbook.
The future of humanity depends not on the social structure of capitalism, but on the people who lead within that structure.
We can use the power of the capitalist machine to improve and change our world, so long as we invest in the people who lead businesses and corporations.
The future is bright indeed if we can turn business and entrepreneurialism into a machine for social good.
In my next post I will be exploring the role of the individual in social change.