Conservatism Quote by Arlie Russell Hochschild
““Companies made money and were beholden to stockholders; it was understandable if they tried to “cover their ass,” people told me. But the government was paid to protect people, so one could expect much more of them.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Managed Heart, Arlie Russell Hochschild, 1983
Corporate focus on profit can conflict with public duty, leading to expectations of greater governmental responsibility
In simple terms: Businesses prioritize profit, but government should protect people
Key Takeaway
Demand higher accountability from institutions
Themes
economics
ethics
government
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- corporate governance
- consumer advocacy
Key Concepts
Social contract
public trust
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms ensure governments protect citizens?
- How can corporations be incentivized to act responsibly?
A Different Perspective
Balancing profit and public good is complex and contested
