All in this, but not together

Probably we hope most people have by now seen through the implied COVID-19 solidarity of "We're all in this together" talk. As George Orwell famously wrote of equality some are more all-in this COVID-19 equality than others. Added "immunity" to the virus comes from socio-economic status, that is primarily from higher incomes, and, in the particular circumstances of COVID-19, self-distancing capabilities, these effects heightened by the reckless policies of private sector favouring political leaders. Until health is understood as fundamentally socially determined and not a genetic lottery we will continue to see medical emergencies reinforce the inequalities endemic in class-based and -divided societies. Pandemics make the important point that we share some vulnerabilities. When will political wills echo our vulnerability with support for the solidarity mechnism of basic equality? Until then the all in it together rhetoric will resound as empty, if not cynical.In these times the social economy supported by TorontotheBetter will continue to play its role as a support to basic rights and conditions, but requires the statutory embedding for which an enterprise social charter is needed if it is to be a reality for all, not just for the fortunate few. Stay tuned to this blog for more on social business chartering.