The Acquisitive Society · Question
How does The Acquisitive Society develop the theme of Function vs. Rights?
Answer
The Acquisitive Society by R. H. Tawney develops Function vs. Rights across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book contrasts a society organized around social purpose and function—where rights derive from service—with an 'acquisitive society' based on absolute individual rights to property and gain, regardless of social contribution.
The chapter establishes industry's function as service to the community, contrasting it with the assertion of individual rights divorced from social purpose.
The chapter explicitly defines function as activity embodying social purpose, contrasting it with the prevailing emphasis on individual rights irrespective of social contribution.
Contrasts the doctrine of rights (individual property and self-interest) with the principle of function (discharge of social obligations as basis for rights).
Evidence in the book
- Introductory
The chapter establishes industry's function as service to the community, contrasting it with the assertion of individual rights divorced from social purpose.
- Rights and Functions
The chapter explicitly defines function as activity embodying social purpose, contrasting it with the prevailing emphasis on individual rights irrespective of social contribution.
- The Acquisitive Society
Contrasts the doctrine of rights (individual property and self-interest) with the principle of function (discharge of social obligations as basis for rights).
- The Nemesis of Industrialism
Contrasts the principle of function (remuneration based on service) with the prevailing doctrine of unlimited rights to exploit economic opportunities, arguing that the latter causes perpetual conflict and dissatisfaction.
- Property and Creative Work
The central argument is that society should be organized on the basis of functions, not rights irrespective of service; property is moral only when it involves the discharge of definite personal obligations.
- The Functional Society
The chapter centers on the principle that property and industry must serve a social function, contrasting with the idea of absolute property rights.
- Industry as a Profession
Central to the chapter: property rights are criticized as passive and functionless, and the principle of purpose is applied to industry to base rights on the performance of function.
- The "Vicious Circle"
Tawney argues that property and income must be justified by service (function), and that functionless property (unearned income) is the root cause of economic conflict and inefficiency.
