Function vs. Rights

Where it surfaces

• 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.

• The Condition of Efficiency

  The chapter argues that property rights should be conditioned on function, and that functionless property should be abolished to achieve efficiency.

• Porro Unum Necessarium

  The central theme of the chapter: society should be organized on the basis of function, not rights, with proprietary rights maintained only when accompanied by service.