Liberal compromise and the struggle for social justice

In conclusion, “The Good Society” is one marked by a liberal and social democratic consensus. It is a society characterised by a “mixed democratic economy” whose aim it is to provide for the complex tapestry of human need.

So complex a tapestry refers to material, social and cultural need; and to spiritual and secular aspiration for hope, kindness, justice, love, peace and meaning. The “Good Society” aims for a market which is democratic, innovative, responsive, fair and participatory. Such a social project aims beyond the crude logic of share value maximisation.

“The Good Society”, by this reckoning, is one where each contributes according to their ability, and each receives according to their need.

The stability and endurance of liberal and social democratic consensus and compromise is also central to the pursuit of a good and just social order.

Here, the best defence for liberal, democratic and social rights is a culture of civic mobilisation and activism, and of critical inquiry.

Reference to a culture of “civic mobilisation” includes the strength of NGOs (non-government organisations), social movements, religious organisations and movements, trade unions, and political parties.

“Civic mobilisation” also refers to the capacity of such organisations and movements to build counter-hegemonic strategies to challenge the social order, and - where appropriate - to take collective action - including civil disobedience.

Such a culture is best sustained through a robust and participatory “public sphere”: in participatory electronic media, journals and newspapers, public assemblies and social forums.

The foundations of “active/critical” citizenship, here, are best laid early: in the process of public education, and in the development of curricula and teaching strategies. The emphasis, here, ought be upon value formation, ideological literacy, civic mobilisation (including public sphere participation), and critical appreciation of issues through engagement in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Hopefully this task of imagining of just what constitutes the “Good Society” might compromise a starting point for real efforts to improve the world.

After all, the “point” is not just to talk about the world - but to change it.