Valueism - A Brief Introduction

In writing the summary of the Political Spectrum and the layman’s guide to the Terminology a friend of mine brought the concept of “Valueism” to my attention.

The term “Valueism” might be new but the concept isn’t particularly new. The more enlightened business people have been practising it for decades.

Paul Barnett, who coined the term describes it like this:
“It is about creating real value - beyond just monetary value. …. It also rejects the notion of shareholder primacy, and aims to create value for all stakeholders and the good of society.”

He goes on to compare Valueism to Neo-Liberalism, the form of capitalism well espoused as Thatcherism and regarded as HardRight.

Given that neo-liberalism is the selfish form of capitalism that is anathema to many voters, Paul goes on to say.  “Valueism will restore trust in business and help save capitalism”

Paul may well be right.  Many voters will regard Corbynism on the left as a ‘threat’. Nonetheless there is distinct possibility that Corbynite Momentum Labour will beat the Tories as a  backlash in the next General Election.  A serious possibility which frankly must be defeated.

To me Valueism is:

• A form of ‘responsible capitalism’
• SoftRight in policies, being based on capitalism rather than socialism 
• But Left in objectives, for “the good of society”
• At last a term that says a business can justifiably make profits as long as it is providing ‘value’ to its customers and clients.  That can be entertainment, drug development, or any manner of other aspects

I talked about objectives and policies as being heart:head, in the context set out here

My belief is the vast majority of the electorate want policies that are indeed for “the good of society”.  That can be the NHS providing care free of charge to citizens at the point of provision, a range of supporting benefits for those that need them, and much else besides.

But “for the good of society” in the context of fostering aspiration rather than the lowest common denominator resulting from socialism.  ‘Socialism’ policies usually backfire, both here in the UK and abroad in places such as East Germany (pre-unification) and Venezuela.

I spoke here of how a vast majority of voters regard themselves in the centre.  From talking to people, I would suggest that majority are Left:CentreRight in terms of heart/head.  Just like their highly positive response to New Labour, people want a party that they can vote for enthusiastically. Not to only have the choice of which to vote against, in fear, Labour or Tories.

The UK is crying out for unity.  “Valueism“ could provide the concept around which a new highly popular party could coalesce.   The term Valueism is easily understood.  You can imagine voters saying “I’ll have some of that!”

Here’s thoughts on how that new party could be formed .  Let’s do it!