Afraid to Be Free: Dependency as Desideratum

Although collectivist ideas have everywhere fallen into disrepute, this essay argues that socialism nevertheless will survive and be extended in the new century. That gloomy prospect looms, not because socialism is more efficient or more just, but because ceding control over their actions to others...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Public choice 2005-07, Vol.124 (1/2), p.19-31
Main Author: Buchanan, James M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
20th century
Capitalism
Churches
Classical economics
Collectivities
Democracy
Distributism
Economic liberalism
Freedom
Futures (of Society)
Individuals
Liberalism
Motivation
Parental roles
Political behavior
Political theory
Public choice
Religion
Responsibility
Socialism
State Society Relationship
Studies
Twenty First Century
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Summary:Although collectivist ideas have everywhere fallen into disrepute, this essay argues that socialism nevertheless will survive and be extended in the new century. That gloomy prospect looms, not because socialism is more efficient or more just, but because ceding control over their actions to others allows individuals to escape, evade and even deny personal responsibilities. People are afraid to be free; the state stands in loco parentis. The breaching of plausibly acceptable fiscal limits in the first half of the new century will determine how the basic conflict between welfare dependency and liberal principles will be resolved.
ISSN:0048-5829
1573-7101
DOI:10.1007/s11127-005-4743-2