The economy doesn't create marginalization. We marginalize ourselves through the economy. | the economy letters
Marginalization is not only a democratic or political issue; it is also an economic one. In fact, we often marginalize ourselves through the very economy we create and maintain.
Several years ago, the town I lived in had a long tradition of immigrant workers. They contributed greatly to the economic success of local businesses, and were equally confronted with the economic consequences of the decline of those local businesses due to industrialization.
It was a long tradition, but it wasn't visible.
In fact, the immigrants were not visible at all, except at the public school where their children attended. But still, the parents remained invisible. It took three generations for this tradition to turn into small, self-owned businesses, and the grandchildren of the first arrivals took a public place in the community, still far away from true participation.Marginalization is not only a democratic or political issue; it is also part of our economy, which creates and builds upon it. Marginalization creates a cheap workforce without the social consequences of equal participation in society. But that's only part of the story. To understand the working dynamic, we have to take a broader view of the economy's relationship with marginalization.
There's a tight connection between the economy, law, and media. In fact, we must see media and law as part of the economy, as large companies occupy and shape the media landscape, while law firms operate on a global scale, supporting both governments and corporations. If we look more closely at this connection, we can see different aspects of marginalization:
The policies, politics, and economy that have been set in place favor big companies, destroying and marginalizing local, self-owned businesses and crafts with a long tradition, and local markets.
They define public spaces, both real and virtual. Through the vehicle of public–private partnership, companies gain access to vital public domains like neighborhoods, housing, public spaces, and services like water and waste disposal. Privately owned companies host and control virtual public spaces, especially social media. They shape not only the content but also the way our public discussions are conducted.
They directly and indirectly define medicine, science, schools, and universities. Thus, they shape not only public opinion and public information but also the whole process of learning and growing up, considering the way the economy directly influences our private lives and our family culture.
But to be clear: it's not "the economy" that does all this. It is us, either having an active role in the economy or simply allowing others to shape and define our social lives. That's why, through all these processes, we allow the economy to rob us of our agency and power: we marginalize ourselves through the economy that we create and maintain.
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