When we talk about society, I think the hierarchy can be used to explain what an optimum society might look like. This has really been the basis of how I envision an effective society.
When we talk about classism in America, we are talking about worlds of differences in access and ability to succeed. In theory, and on paper, we have "upward mobility". But in reality, this isn't possible to achieve for so many. I personally don't believe that classism will ever end in society in the way we know it today. Even if we were a communist nation, there would still be a hierarchy in power and inevitably an elite. It just doesn't seem entirely avoidable.
However, my vision of class is drastically different from the current state. Presently, class can be the difference between opportunity and productivity, health and death, nutrition and hunger and shelter and homelessness.
My vision of classism would be the difference between an apartment with basic utilities and a mansion. In other words, the only difference between the upper class and the lower class would be luxury items. I am not so concerned if every individual has a heated pool or the best sneakers, so long as everyone has water, electricity and a place to live.
That's where Maslow comes in.
In Maslow's theory, we can't get to the top of the pyramid if the bottom portions are not fulfilled. It truly makes sense. How do we develop truly intimate relationships and belonging if we're worried about our next meal? How do we develop a sense of accomplishment if we are not in a safe, secure environment?
I believe that society, as a collective, has a responsibility to ensure that every individual within it's society is fulfilled in what is labeled as the "Basic Needs" portion of the pyramid. The rest of the pyramid will then fall onto individual choices and experiences. This doesn't mean everyone will get to self-actualization, however, it does mean everyone will have an equitable opportunity to do so.
Physiological Needs
We all need food, water, shelter, warmth and rest, according to Maslow, to have our physiological needs met. I will also extend this to basic health care access.
In order to achieve this, one proposal I am seriously adamant about is a universal basic income. With this in mind, people will have more of an ability to provide subsistence based on their individual needs.
In addition to that, we should also provide a reasonable, sustainable living wage, that is indexed to the actual cost of living. I discuss this, as well as some other employment improvement avenues, in this post.
Paid family leave is essential to ensure that the people of our society have the rest and recuperation needs to live a healthy life, including but not limited to parental leave.
A universal health care system in place would also be necessary to ensure everyone has equitable access to basic medical care at all times. This is a system that exists in virtually every country but here in our home society.
Safety needs
In order to be mentally and physically healthy as a society, we must all feel safe. Many of this safety is tied into the physiological needs of the pyramid. When we have access to health care, clean water and shelter, we are naturally going to feel safer and more secure.
Another aspect that must be examined in proper policing that truly serves and protects the society that it exists in, rather than enforcing "law and order".
We must also be safe from fraud and corporate abuse.
The benefits of a society that provides and ensures the basic needs are fulfilled for every person in a society would imaginably be enormous. Think about it: poverty breeds crime. When people are desperate, they are likely to steal, loot and harm others. However, when they have access to mental health programs, shelter and their basic needs, this desire is greatly reduced. Studies have proven this over and over again.
If we truly want a just society, we must be an equitable society that provides the basic needs for all, without condition or cause.
What are your thoughts?
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