Capitalism Quote by Holly Sklar
“The dream of capitalism is to co-opt people with higher living standards without redistributing any wealth. Without co-optation, widespread repression is the only guarantor of gross inequality.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Economic forum, 2020
Capitalism co‑opts affluent people, keeping wealth unequal; without co‑optation, repression becomes the tool to maintain inequality.
In simple terms: Capitalism uses co‑optation, not repression, to sustain inequality.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden mechanisms of inequality.
Themes
capitalism
inequality
co‑optation
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
economic
When to use this quote
- policy making
- activism
- education
Key Concepts
political economy
social justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How does co‑optation maintain power?
- What alternatives exist to reduce inequality?
A Different Perspective
Repression is a fallback when co‑optation fails.
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![“[As in the case of] alcohol prohibition, illegality has driven organized crime, sent countless people to jail, and killed many thousands. Repression does not work.” quote by Sam Branson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/212/sam-branson-36458_alcohol_as-in-the-case-of-alcohol-prohibition-il_8703.jpg)
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![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
