The extent to which all people in our society are made to count, and believe that they count, is not just a measure of decency; it makes sound economic sense.
Interpretation
The value of a society is reflected in how much its members feel valued and important.
Mary McAleese emphasizes that when individuals feel valued in a society, it reflects both moral decency and economic effectiveness. A society that promotes inclusivity and recognizes the worth of all its members is likely to prosper, as it fosters trust, productivity, and social cohesion, which in turn benefits the economy.
In practice
During a community meeting discussing social welfare programs.
High corruption and the influence of big business and the wealthy elite keeps the poorest Nigerians trapped in poverty and cut off from the benefits of economic growth and basic services. Some people - searching for the means to survive - became vulnerable to groups like Boko Haram.
Adults, older girls, shops, magazines, newspapers, window signsall the world had agreed that a blue-eyed, yellow-haired, pink-skinned doll was what every girl child treasured
The view of how America speaks is reflected in our laws. And one of the laws is fair housing. It very clearly prohibits discrimination in the sale and rental of housing in America. It's been a sad fact of American life that the practice in many communities has been quite the opposite.
It is the tendency of the social burdens to crush out the middle class, and to force society into an organization of only two classes, one at each social extreme.
We have become more and more not a nation of athletes but a nation of spectators.
Migration powers economic growth, reduces inequalities, and connects diverse societies. Yet it is also a source of political tensions and human tragedies.
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