Michael Sandel: "After COVID-19, the World Must Be Restructured for Everyone to Live Together"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Michael Sandel, a Harvard University professor and author of "What Money Can't Buy," argued that the COVID-19 pandemic should be an opportunity to shift toward a "world of living together."

▲ Michael Sandel, Professor at Harvard University (Photo by Seoul City)

On the 13th (local time), Professor Sandel wrote in an op-ed for The New York Times (NYT) that American society, which had been driven by "meritocracy" after COVID-19, needs to change. He stated, "(In light of COVID-19) most Americans without a college degree should receive better treatment for their social and economic efforts."

According to him, American society has long advocated for equality of opportunity, but in reality, the principle of equal opportunity has not been properly upheld. For example, children from families in the top 1% are more likely to attend prestigious universities like Yale or Princeton than children from families in the bottom 60% income bracket.

Moreover, following meritocracy leads individuals to believe that their social achievements are solely the result of their own efforts rather than being indebted to others, which results in neglecting values such as social solidarity.

As the lives of social elites and ordinary people diverge, those who are not part of the privileged class tend to overlook issues such as supporting their families or receiving social respect.

However, Professor Sandel pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has made people reconsider the social and economic roles these individuals play.

Truck drivers, warehouse workers, delivery laborers, police officers, firefighters, plumbers, building managers, supermarket clerks, nurses, and caregivers?many of whom do not have college degrees?have been dedicating themselves to enabling others to maintain their lives amid the spread of COVID-19. Beyond expressing gratitude, society and the economy must now be redesigned so that these individuals receive treatment commensurate with their contributions.

Professor Sandel emphasized, "This process of readjustment requires us to think beyond whether the welfare provided by the state should be generous or strict, and instead consider democratic citizens who dedicate themselves to the public good."

He said, "After experiencing a crisis, we must decide whether the emerging economy will harm politics and national community or become an economy that properly rewards workers who endure risks such as health hazards while fulfilling their roles."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.