Economic inequality is a political problem as it is the result of ineffective governance of a capitalist institutional mechanism that has led to an unequal distribution of wealth. With capitalism emphasizing profit, the production of wealth has been given greater priority than distribution. However, the result of this mechanism is due to the government's negligence in considering the best distribution of wealth, despite its duty to support citizens to maximize their happiness. Mill's utilitarian theory helps explain how this mechanism led to income inequality that prevents society from achieving ultimate happiness and why the best distribution of wealth is an equitable distribution to have equal opportunities in society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Economic inequality is a political problem because it limits the individual's pursuit of happiness. Since freedom is the essential element of well-being in his theory, it could be argued that this result is due to ineffective governance as Mills believes that the duty of government is to encourage individuals to maximize their happiness through the development of their individuality. Since economic wealth is a necessary means for an individual to develop their human capabilities, this lack of freedom for those without such means will be classified by Mill as unfree. Given this circumstance, he would go on to argue that this outcome is oppression since the individual is not free to pursue his own happiness due to the outcome of such poor governance. Given that capitalism is primarily focused on profit through production and consumption, Mill would argue that the unequal distribution of wealth has led to economic inequality. As a libertarian, he would consider the legislature to encourage the production of wealth in order to ensure that the possessor of property obtained through the free use of body and mind can enjoy all the benefits of property. But the legislator must also achieve the best distribution that allows the maximum amount of happiness to be achieved in the society in which Mill says so. Having fair distribution without wasting individual freedom would align with his vision of achieving the best distribution. Although Mill argues that government redistribution of wealth is not justifiable if it tramples on individual liberty, one might imply that it would Consider inequality to be presented for the greater good if it is to protect all people in the free use of faculties of body and mind and to enjoy the goods that can be obtained through such activities. While it can be seen that this would mean that the rich would no longer enjoy the same wealth that they would have had in this redistribution, extending Mill's utilitarianism which follows the Greatest Happiness Principle will point to the diminishing marginal utility of wealth and that the same sum of money would have more value in the eyes of the poor than in that of the rich. Furthermore, there is no reason to show that an unequal distribution of wealth would lead to a decrease in the production of wealth since the rich man would still be comparatively better off in terms of wealth than the poor man. Equal distribution would simply allow the poor to have sufficient economic means to freely pursue their individuality as Mill was strongly against itto charity because he feared it would generate dependent citizens rather than those with autonomy. Therefore, equitable distribution will allow such unfree citizens to have the fundamental freedom to pursue happiness, resulting in greater happiness in society, and can be argued to be the best distribution of wealth. In the case of income inequality with certain professions that require education or background of a certain social rank, giving such individuals a monopoly on wage rates while the majority of the population is unable to meet the requirements required for the professions. With an equitable distribution of wealth, those who were previously not free to pursue such careers will now have the opportunity to do so. Ensuring fairness in competition through this distribution will still ensure free competition as only those who manage to pursue the career requirements will be able to practice the profession. However, it is important to note that this extension of opportunity to all citizens previously not free to do so will encourage the marketplace of ideas, serving as a collective benefit to society as it enables diversity, triggering greater contribution in professional fields. One of Mill's suggestions The proposed solution to have a more equal distribution of opportunities was through universal education. Allowing greater participation in certain opportunities, such as encouraging literacy, will encourage individuals not to be imprisoned in the fixed social position into which they were born. Despite ineffective governance in managing capitalist institutional mechanisms, education will enable individuals to have greater opportunities to pursue their individuality and, as such, it can be argued that an equitable distribution of opportunities will lead to collective social good. Mill's solution to economic inequality fits into the contemporary context by considering equalization in the distribution of opportunities as seen in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Originally, in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, one of the goals was to achieve universal primary education by 2015. Despite the significant improvement since 2000, sub-Saharan Africa's goal of having the same number of enrollments from other developing countries is still lagging behind as their enrollment numbers are equal to that of other developing countries. growth has been slowed by various factors, such as the lack of quality educators and institutional support to make access to education more inclusive. Focusing on primary education has improved basic literacy rates which can directly contribute to alleviating poverty rates. However, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals saw the limitations of the original goal of universal primary education and in turn focused on achieving quality education as the basis for sustainable development globally. By focusing on ensuring the development of inclusive education that aims for lifelong learning, this will encourage learning at all ages in developing countries and help create a better resource for quality education as trained educators for future generations. Through such goals of universal education, this will help promote social progress globally by directly creating an environment that encourages individuality and creativity while enhancing the quality of modern mass society. Improving literacy rates and basic education levels of citizens will promote the collective exercise of reason.