We love a good debate on the Broadway veranda. That’s the outside space at Broadway Cinema and bar for those that don’t know where that is, a frequent haunt for the Broadway massive and some of this rag mags team.

A constant theme is politics, free markets and the contradictions and the differences between the different social, economic and political systems.

Sometimes these debates get a bit animated, especially around our current system capitalism.

One such argument is that is capitalism a product of the human condition so is the only system that fits?

So we wanted to explore that a little and try and put that particular Broadway veranda discussion to bed as it gets a bit tiresome and boring for the other people in the group that haven’t engaged in the debate or haven’t had about five pints.

The Question.

The human competitive drive has shaped our societies and cultures throughout history, leading to various manifestations of social, economic, and political systems.

One such system, capitalism, is often credited for harnessing our innate competitiveness to foster innovation and economic growth.

But is capitalism the only political system that suits this inherent human behaviour?

We explore the role of competitiveness in human biology and the human condition, and examines whether capitalism is the best political system to accommodate this trait or if alternatives exist.

The Biological Roots of Competitiveness

Competitiveness is deeply rooted in human biology, as it played a vital role in the survival and reproduction of our ancestors. In the context of evolution, competition for limited resources, such as food, territory, and mates, has driven the development of traits and behaviours that increase an individual's chances of success. This process, known as natural selection, has resulted in the emergence of a competitive instinct in humans.

This instinct is further reinforced by the release of neurotransmitters and hormones, such as dopamine, adrenaline, and cortisol, which are associated with motivation, arousal, and stress, respectively. These biochemical responses create a positive feedback loop, rewarding successful competitive behaviour and encouraging us to strive for dominance in various aspects of life.

The Human Condition: Competition in Society

Human society has evolved to accommodate our competitive drive, with cultural norms and institutions reflecting this aspect of our nature. Social hierarchies, sports, and educational systems all provide opportunities for people to compete against each other, often leading to personal growth and achievement.

Capitalism and Competitiveness: A Perfect Match?

Capitalism is an economic and political system that relies on the competitive nature of individuals and firms to allocate resources efficiently. Proponents argue that this system harnesses our innate competitiveness to fuel innovation, create wealth, and drive economic growth. The profit motive encourages businesses to improve products and services, leading to higher standards of living.

However, critics contend that capitalism exacerbates income inequality, environmental degradation, and social unrest, suggesting that our competitive drive might be better accommodated by alternative political systems.

Exploring Alternatives

Some argue that socialism, which emphasises collective ownership and control of resources, offers a more equitable way to harness our competitive instincts. In this system, competition could be directed towards the betterment of society as a whole, rather than solely for individual profit.

Another potential alternative is the concept of a "post-capitalist" society, where advances in technology, such as automation and artificial intelligence, have reduced the need for human labour. In this scenario, competition could be redirected towards more creative and intellectual pursuits, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared innovation.

Summary

The human competitive drive is a complex, multifaceted aspect of our biology and the human condition. While capitalism has successfully harnessed this trait to drive economic growth and innovation, it is not the only political system that can accommodate our competitive nature. Alternative systems, such as socialism or post-capitalism, offer different ways to channel our competitiveness towards the betterment of society. Ultimately, the ideal political system may be one that balances our competitive instincts with empathy, collaboration, and a focus on shared prosperity.

So it does seem we have a few more animated discussions left on this subject, but hey, its a good excuse to get out and see your budwas and have a pint or three.