Ideologies
A key factor is the ideology championing unfettered free markets as the prime mechanism for allocating resources and determining value. This perspective argues that markets should be maximally free from government intervention, regulation, or other societal interests so that supply and demand forces can interact efficiently. It also contends that the profit motive drives “efficient” outcomes and that pursuing self-interest indirectly benefits society. By extension, this ideology absolves corporations from responsibilities towards broader societal goals, workers, the environment, or other ethical considerations beyond profits. Under this framework, redistribution of gains, environmental protections, and rights for marginalized groups distort markets from their “natural” equilibrium.
Outsized corporate influence
Outsized corporate influence on the political process perpetuates the status quo. Corporate lobbying and campaign financing shape government policy and regulation to favor business interests over public good. The revolving door between public office and corporate leadership further aligns political incentives with corporate priorities. This results in a system that prioritizes the interests of a select few at the expense of the broader society, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and disenfranchisement. The disproportionate influence of vested interests not only distorts the democratic process but also leads to the entrenchment of policies that favor short-term profits and the status quo, further exacerbating existing systemic issues.
Systemic bias
The presence of systemic biases and prejudices within economic systems plays a crucial role in perpetuating discrimination and inequality. Studies have revealed the presence of deep-rooted biases that systematically disadvantage certain groups based on factors such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status. These biases not only limit access to opportunities but also perpetuate disparities in wealth distribution, employment, and access to essential services. The normalization of these biases within the economic fabric creates significant barriers for marginalized communities, hindering their ability to participate equitably in the economic sphere and perpetuating cycles of poverty and exclusion.
Flawed measures
Flawed measures of economic progress also hamper efforts at reforming the systemic imbalances in our current model. The over-reliance by policymakers and economists on GDP growth and similar metrics promotes the fallacy that a growing economy necessarily indicates social improvement. In reality, GDP ignores critical factors like distribution, sustainability, wellbeing, and general citizen welfare. When policy is excessively guided by incomplete indicators like GDP, policymakers end up unable to properly manage or value what they do not measure. This mystifies the true costs and trade-offs of public policy choices. Transitioning to a more compassionate economic system will require embracing more nuanced, comprehensive indicators of actual human prosperity that account for equity, environmental sustainability, and quality of life outcomes.
Weak accountability
Finally, inadequate corporate accountability and transparency allows externalization of social and ecological harms. Weak reporting requirements and oversight obscure risky and negligent business practices until damage is done. Similarly, limited legal liability structures allow avoidance of responsibility. Light-touch regulation and enforcement enable businesses to operate against the public interest with impunity.
