Productive Economy, Contributory Economy

6The Inevitable Reworking of the Social Pact

6.1. The world of work in revolution

The social pact defines the ways in which citizens contribute to the life of the “city” and how the city in turn ensures that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed in their lives. For the moment, the social pact is essentially centered on productive contributions. They are thought of in terms of the stability of the middle classes. Ideally, everyone of working age should have an employer, and the State, along with the financial world, manages the employers.

But the notion of a profession is breaking down and the notion of an employer is becoming fragmented. Everything is being re-configured with notions of tasks with principals and contractors. The notion of a diploma is becoming secondary to motivation and acquired experience.

6.1.1. Fewer and better educated citizens

Two economic ideologies are now clashing around the world: social liberalism and authoritarian liberalism. But neither of them questions the principle of “producing more and more”.

A third voice will be explored, based on “always better”, better for individuals and better for the environment. Europe seems to be a candidate.

At the moment, there is a kind of tug-of-war between the American dollar and China’s “world factories”. This fight is outside Europe, but Europe is an object of covetousness as a solvent market.

It can place itself outside this duel by innovating in the way it produces, exchanges and governs. ...