However, historical data and modern social science suggest several key levers that tend to balance the scales of power:
1. Strengthening Labor Power
When individuals act alone, they have very little bargaining power against large entities. Collective bargaining is one of the most direct ways to prevent exploitation.
Unions: These allow workers to negotiate for fair wages, safe conditions, and job security as a unified front.
Labor Laws: Establishing strong protections against wage theft, unfair dismissal, and unsafe working environments.
2. Tax Policy and Wealth Distribution
Economists often point to the "gap" between capital gains (money made from investing) and earned income (money made from working).
Progressive Taxation: Implementing systems where those with the highest surplus contribute a larger percentage to maintain the infrastructure they use to build wealth.
Closing Loopholes: Preventing the use of offshore tax havens ensures that wealth generated within a society stays within that society to fund public services.
1. Strengthening Labor Power
When individuals act alone, they have very little bargaining power against large entities. Collective bargaining is one of the most direct ways to prevent exploitation.
Unions: These allow workers to negotiate for fair wages, safe conditions, and job security as a unified front.
Labor Laws: Establishing strong protections against wage theft, unfair dismissal, and unsafe working environments.
2. Tax Policy and Wealth Distribution
Economists often point to the "gap" between capital gains (money made from investing) and earned income (money made from working).
Progressive Taxation: Implementing systems where those with the highest surplus contribute a larger percentage to maintain the infrastructure they use to build wealth.
Closing Loopholes: Preventing the use of offshore tax havens ensures that wealth generated within a society stays within that society to fund public services.
