Right Libertarians and the Coercive Nature of Work
Right Libertarians and the Coercive Nature of Work
Right libertarians, often staunch advocates of personal freedom and market capitalism, often find arguments regarding the coercive nature of work and the concept of "wage slavery" to be wide of the mark. They frequently dismiss such claims, pointing out that work is not inherently coercive. This article delves into the perspective of right libertarians and their response to the argument that work is coercive because not working means certain death.
Right Libertarians' Perspective on Coercion
In my experience, right libertarians typically do not recognize the concept of coercion as broadly as it is often applied. They see coercion most effectively in instances of literal force, and they might dismiss or downplay other forms of perceived coercion. This limited view of coercion contributes to their dismissal of the concept of "wage slavery."
The Nature of Work and Employment Contracts
Right libertarians often argue that work is a natural necessity created by the very nature of existence, not by business owners. They believe that businesses merely provide the opportunity for individuals to satisfy their needs through cooperative efforts. The business owner is not the controller of the ability to work; rather, individuals have full control over their labor.
According to this view, the employment contract is a valid and enforced agreement, unlike the contract of enslavement, which is not valid. This perspective emphasizes the role of free will and the ability to choose one's form of labor or to start one's own venture. Right libertarians would argue that if a person feels they are a virtual economic slave, it is not because they are forced into it by a business owner, but rather due to personal choices and economic circumstances.
The Concept of Wage Slavery
The concept of "wage slavery" is generally dismissed by most libertarians, including right libertarians, as a form of pseudo-intellectual nonsense. For them, the idea of voluntarily exchanging labor for a wage is not an example of servitude. However, whenever such an argument is made, right libertarians tend to respond with dismissive remarks, often likening the comparison to a lack of maturity.
For instance, the notion that the employment contract is valid and enforced by society, while the enslavement contract is not, is a key argument. Right libertarians point out that in a modern liberal capitalist society, people have the freedom to choose their own paths, including starting their own businesses or accepting voluntary assistance from charitable organizations.
Entrepreneurship and Freedom
Another aspect that right libertarians emphasize is the ease and feasibility of entrepreneurship. They point to numerous examples of successful startups, often stemming from individuals taking charge of their own endeavors. From Steve Jobs and Bill Gates to the founders of major tech companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon, these examples illustrate the potential for individuals to become their own bosses and achieve freedom from employment.
Right libertarians would argue that the freedom to start one’s own business, or the option of receiving voluntary aid, is always available. This perspective further reinforces the idea that the business owner does not control the ability to work; instead, the individual retains full autonomy.
Conclusion
The concept of work as coercive is generally rejected by right libertarians. They argue that work is a natural need and that employment contracts are valid agreements. They also highlight the potential for individuals to start their own businesses and emphasize personal responsibility and freedom. In their view, the freedom to choose one's path and the validity of free markets make coercion a non-issue.
Right libertarians would likely respond to the claim that work is coercive due to the necessity of earning a living by pointing to the availability of alternatives and the enforcement of voluntary agreements. They maintain that the business owner does not control the ability to work, and that individuals always have the choice to become their own boss or seek voluntary assistance.
For those interested in understanding the libertarian perspective on this issue, it would be beneficial to explore further resources such as essays, discussions, and debates within libertarian and political philosophy communities. Understanding diverse viewpoints on this matter can lead to a deeper appreciation of the complexities involved.