Overview of the Problem: Socioeconomic System and Distributive Rules

Abstract

This chapter organizes the framework and topics involved in contemplating the factors that regulate the distributive structure, distributive rules, and their modern direction. The following points are raised to constitute such a framework for this book. (1) Human beings cooperate in production to ensure survival. An important condition for cooperation is the existence of rules regarding the distribution of labor burden and products and people’s consent to these rules. (2) An important factor that regulates distributive rules lies in the survival instinct of each individual, i.e., their drive to survive and reproduce. (3) The deciding subject of the distributive rule has changed from the individual to the group, and the decision criterion has changed from compulsory to voluntary agreement. (4) In this process, distributive objects have changed from products to those containing resources. (5) Distributive rules for resources and outcomes are thus moving toward “some degree of equality.” (6) This degree of equality is defined by three factors: changes in the object subject view, changes in deciding what is “fair,” and increasing request for distribution according to need and mutual security.