economic straitjacket
The lack of agency among citizens often contributes to crime. Economic disparities severely limit access to opportunities and services, trapping people in cycles of poverty. This economic straitjacket can push individuals toward crime as a means of survival or advancement. The Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women highlights how poverty significantly affects physical and mental health, correlating with higher crime rates. Historically, economic hardship has consistently been linked to crime. During the Great Depression, crime rates soared as unemployment and poverty increased. In Canada, the effects were profound, with higher incidences of theft, burglary, and other property crimes as people struggled to survive.
Political disenfranchisement strips citizens of their agency, leading to apathy and, in extreme cases, radicalization. When people feel their voices are ignored, they may disengage from political processes or turn to crime as a form of resistance. This phenomenon isn't limited to marginalized groups; even the average citizen often feels excluded from meaningful political participation, which can contribute to higher crime rates.
Think low voter turnout is because people are lazy? Think again. The truth is far more telling. Low voter turnout is a silent yet resounding protest, a collective "go fuck yourself" directed at a system perceived to be unresponsive and exclusionary. This sentiment reflects deep-seated disillusionment with political structures that fail to represent or engage the populace.
The influence of political disenfranchisement on crime is starkly evident in historical contexts such as the Jim Crow era in the United States. During this period, systemic discrimination and lack of political agency led to widespread social unrest and increased crime rates. People denied a voice and agency inevitably seek alternative, often destructive, means of asserting their presence and demands.
Low voter turnout shouldn't be dismissed as mere apathy. It's a loud and clear statement of discontent. The low turnout underscores the urgent need to address political disenfranchisement, ensuring every citizen feels their voice matters. By doing so, we can foster a more inclusive political environment and reduce the socio-political conditions that contribute to crime and instability.
But why is this challenging? The answer often boils down to money. Financial interests and entrenched power structures frequently inhibit genuine political engagement and reform.
This is where technology comes into play. What happens when machines run everything? Will only a few benefit, or will there be abundance for all? Society is currently pushing towards a scenario where only some reap the benefits of technological advances. This trend starkly contrasts with our stated values of equality and inclusion.
Achieving true balance means ensuring the benefits of technology are widely distributed, creating abundance for all, not just a privileged few. Aligning with society’s values of fairness, inclusion, and shared prosperity is essential for a sustainable and just future.
Social exclusion fosters feelings of alienation and resentment. Those who are marginalized may turn to crime to assert control over their lives. The World Bank emphasizes that social inclusion is key to reducing crime, as connected and valued communities are less likely to engage in criminal activities.
This rings true when considering the broader context. When individuals feel marginalized and disconnected, they often seek alternative, sometimes destructive, means to assert their presence. Social inclusion isn't just a nicety; it's a necessity. Ensuring that every member of society feels valued and connected reduces the urge to resort to crime as a means of gaining control or attention.
By fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, we can create communities that are not only safer but also more resilient. Social inclusion bridges gaps, mends divisions, and builds a foundation of mutual respect and cooperation. In essence, a society that values and includes all its members is one where crime and unrest are significantly diminished.
Historically, the concept of chivalry and the role of the knightly class provided a sense of agency and purpose within the feudal hierarchy. Knights upheld moral and social codes, maintaining social order and reducing unrest. The decline of chivalry in modern times can be attributed to a lack of agency and purpose. When individuals feel that their actions do not matter, social cohesion breaks down, leading to increased alienation and potential unrest.
In today's society, the extreme end of feeling a lack of agency is the "nothing matters" mindset. This nihilistic view can lead to disengagement from societal norms and responsibilities, fostering destructive behaviors and social instability. Addressing this requires more than efficient resource allocation; it involves creating opportunities for meaningful engagement and ensuring that individuals feel their contributions are valued.
Maybe there is some unexplored combining of the military institutions readiness with efforts to foster social inclusion and individual agency, we can build a more cohesive and resilient public health system. Restoring a sense of modern chivalry—where individuals uphold moral and social responsibilities—can help reinvigorate a sense of purpose and agency. This balanced approach ensures that people feel valued and connected, reducing alienation and promoting social stability.
The psychological toll of lacking agency is significant. Stress, anxiety, and depression can drive individuals to crime as they struggle to cope with their circumstances. Studies show that individuals with lower educational attainment and unstable housing are more likely to commit crimes. The John Howard Society found that a significant proportion of inmates relied on welfare benefits or had unstable housing situations before incarceration, linking socioeconomic instability to crime.
Scholarly theories emphasize the importance of social structures in maintaining order. Emile Durkheim's theory of anomie suggests that crime results from a breakdown of social norms. Robert Merton's strain theory posits that societal pressures and the inability to achieve culturally approved goals through legitimate means can lead to criminal activity. From budget to citizen, the pathway is fraught with inefficiencies and captures by private interests.
Consider healthcare, where the total allocation is $344 billion. Funds flow to provincial health departments and then to hospitals, with significant portions spent on administrative costs, infrastructure, and high salaries for medical professionals. This often leaves less for direct patient care. Payments to physicians through provincial health insurance plans see high compensation for doctors, which may not directly translate to improved patient outcomes, contributing more to physician wealth than public health improvements. Pharmaceutical companies capture a significant portion of the $46.6 billion allocated for drugs, raising concerns about high drug prices and the profit motives of private entities.
In defense, the $26.8 billion allocation supports military readiness, procurement of new capabilities, and infrastructure development. Contracts awarded to defense contractors often involve large sums directed to private companies for equipment and technology, sparking debates about the efficiency and necessity of these expenditures. While defense spending benefits military personnel, its direct impact on the broader civilian population is limited.
Social services receive $96.3 billion, emphasizing support for vulnerable populations through daycare and social assistance programs. However, administrative overheads and inefficiencies can reduce the net benefit to recipients. These programs are often underfunded and overburdened, leading to insufficient support for those in need. Education sees an approximate $80 billion allocation, with investments in student grants and loans and job placement programs for youth. High tuition costs and student debt burdens can negate the benefits of these financial aids, leaving graduates with significant financial challenges.
Economic growth and innovation receive $4.2 billion, aimed at fostering development in sectors such as artificial intelligence and core research. These investments often benefit large corporations and elite academic institutions more than the general populace. Environmental initiatives, with a $3 billion allocation, include tax credits and incentives for clean energy and green technology. The effectiveness of these initiatives in reducing carbon footprints and their direct benefits to citizens can be limited by the capture of funds by large corporations focused on profit over earth.
Private capture is evident across sectors. In healthcare, significant funds are captured by healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical companies. In defense, large defense contractors benefit from procurement contracts. In economic initiatives, major corporations and elite institutions often capture research and innovation funds. Conversely, public benefits are more apparent in direct transfers through social services and some education programs, providing more direct benefits to citizens. Community programs aimed at vulnerable populations can have significant impacts if managed effectively.
Canada’s federal budget reflects substantial investments across critical sectors, but significant portions of these funds are often captured by private interests, reducing the direct impact on citizens. To maximize public benefit, greater transparency, accountability, and targeted investments are essential. For more information, visit the Government of Canada Budget 2023 and the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
Given this landscape, there’s an argument to be made for leaning more into our military infrastructure. The military is known for its efficiency and effectiveness in executing large-scale operations, a trait that often eludes other sectors bogged down by bureaucracy and inefficiencies. Healthcare, while crucial, faces significant challenges in delivering a human-centric approach. Doctors, although deserving of their compensation, often operate within a system that prioritizes their earnings over patient care. This imbalance creates a scenario where the healthcare system is more focused on sustaining itself rather than improving patient outcomes.
In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity. The goal it to profit and see if we can turn the chaos of public health into a well-coordinated effort, or at least ensuring that our actions correlate, and act consciously of how aid reaches those who need it most without delay.
Confucius said, ‘The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.’ By instilling a sense of duty and ethical responsibility, similar to military discipline, we can build a public health system that is not only efficient but also just and humane.
