Social Welfare Programs: Nature Or Nurture?

The role of the government is to oversee and periodically intervene in business competitiveness and economic inequality. In fact, “Inequality is an inevitable product of capitalist activity, and expanding equality of opportunities only increases it” (Muller, 2013). Equality of opportunity does not directly correlate with an exploitation of such opportunities; certain individuals and communities are predisposed to developing diverse levels of human capital. To an extent, the “Nature versus nurture” debate is applicable in explaining the differences between individuals and their ability to take advantage of capitalism.

According to Muller, “One potential cure for the problems of rising inequality and insecurity is using government policy to close the gaps between individuals and groups by offering preferential treatment to underperformers” (Muller 2013). The potential downside for such governmental involvement creates a perception that one group is favored over the other. Those that have obtained their economic position through hard work will grow to resent efforts by the government to close the gap. Policies such as Affirmative Action, a policy that gives minorities preferential treatment when it comes to being accepted to college and obtaining employment, ultimately affect the

Programs such as the Affordable Care Act, Social Security, and food stamps offer a metaphorical safety net for those who are on the lower part of the spectrum. Removing or decreasing such economic support will ultimately tip the scale in the other direction instead of evening out the playing