The Acquisitive Society
The work critiques the prevailing economic and social structures, particularly focusing on the concept of property and its implications for society. It argues that the dominant economic system, characterized by individual rights and private property, has led to a disconnection between ownership and responsibility. This disconnection fosters inequality and inefficiency, as wealth is often accumulated without corresponding contributions to society. The author emphasizes the need for a shift from an acquisitive society, where the pursuit of wealth is prioritized over social responsibility, to a functional society that values contributions to the common good. This transition requires a reevaluation of property rights, advocating for a system where ownership is contingent upon the performance of social functions. The text suggests that property should not be an absolute right but should serve a purpose that benefits the community. The critique extends to the organization of industry, which is portrayed as being driven by profit motives rather than the provision of service. The author calls for the professionalization of industries, where workers are not merely cogs in a machine but are engaged in meaningful work that contributes to society. This professionalization would involve collective responsibility among workers and a shift in control from property owners to those who actively participate in production. The work also addresses the psychological aspects of labor, arguing that the current system undermines the dignity and motivation of workers. It posits that a more equitable distribution of wealth and a focus on service rather than profit would lead to greater efficiency and satisfaction among workers. The author contends that the existing industrial order is unsustainable and that a new approach is necessary to align economic activity with social purpose. In conclusion, the text advocates for a radical rethinking of economic structures, emphasizing the importance of aligning property rights with social responsibilities and transforming industries into professions that prioritize public service. This shift is presented as essential for achieving a more just and efficient society.
By R.H. Tawney · First published 1920 · Genre: Sociology, Economics, Political Philosophy · 11 chapters · 53,974 words
First lines
It is a commonplace that the characteristic virtue of Englishmen is their power of sustained practical activity, and their characteristic vice a reluctance to test the quality of that activity by reference to principles. They are incurious as to theory, take fundamentals for granted, and are more interested in the state of the roads than in their place on the map. And it might fairly be argued that in ordinary times that combination of intellectual tameness with practical energy is sufficiently serviceable to explain, if not to justify, the equanimity with which its possessors bear the criticism of more mentally adventurous nations. It is the mood of those who have made their bargain with fate and are content to take what it offers without reopening the deal. It leaves the mind free to concentrate undisturbed upon profitable activities, because it is not distracted by a taste for unprofitable speculations. Most generations, it might be said, walk in a path which they neither make, nor discover, but accept; the main thing is that they should march. The blinkers worn by Englishmen enable them to trot all the more steadily along the beaten road, without being disturbed by curiosity as to their destination.
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The Acquisitive Society is listed on Textopian as an essay by R.H. Tawney, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: R.H. Tawney
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Sociology, Economics, Political Philosophy, Social Criticism, History
- Length: 53,974 words
- Structure: 11 chapters, 195 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Similar titles
- The Theory Of The Leisure Class by Thorstein Veblen
- War Of The Classes by Jack London
- El Partido Marxista Leninista by Ernesto Che Guevara
- Germinal by Voltairine De Cleyre
- Oil by Upton Sinclair
- Contra El Burocratismo by Ernesto Che Guevara
Genres
- Sociology — The book critiques the impact of capitalism on society and explores social structures.
- Economics — It discusses economic theories and the consequences of an acquisitive society.
- Political Philosophy — The work examines the moral implications of economic practices and their influence on governance.
- Social Criticism — Tawney critiques societal values and the ethical dimensions of wealth accumulation.
Tags
Critique of capitalism · Social commentary · Economic inequality · Class struggle · Marxist theory · Sociological analysis · Philosophical critique · Moral evaluation · Capitalist system · Wealth distribution · Power dynamics · Social justice
Contents
- Introductory
- Rights and Functions
- The Acquisitive Society
- The Nemesis of Industrialism
- Property and Creative Work
- The Functional Society
- Industry as a Profession
- The "Vicious Circle"
- The Condition of Efficiency
- The Position of the Brain Worker
- Porro Unum Necessarium