This essay argues that our society only succeeds when people pay their taxes, care for their families and communities and are recognised for these contributions. Our economy only succeeds when people work, develop skills, take risks, and start businesses. And our democracy only succeeds when people vote, are educated, and are willing to argue about and represent their communities and country.
A belief in making these efforts for the common good is a fundamental to the progressive cause.
The essay argues that the left should root itself in an ethic and expectation of contribution: the actions we take that make other people better off. This can be work, care, volunteering, paying taxes or helping out in your community. These are the basis of reciprocity and solidarity. Actions we take for others, in the anticipation that they will take them for us.
A politics of contribution would mean much more than delivery. The state would shift focus, towards enabling, rewarding and expecting people to contribute. It would give people and places the power, capability and agency to solve their problems, with and for others. The essay outlines the implications of this approach for important policy areas.