Social issues at the polls

A common criticism of college-age politicos is that we are too concerned with social issues and not concerned enough with jobs and economics, except the policy wonks.

I find it easier to support marriage equality and women’s rights than I do to understand the inner workings of the Federal Reserve or study the Paradox of Thrift.

That doesn’t mean monetary policy and Keynesianism aren’t important.

In fact, they are some of my main public policy interests, but economics does not tell the whole story of our success as a nation.

Our commitment to social equality for all people is also an integral part of the ongoing success of our society.

Furthermore, social and economic issues are often linked more than one might realize.

Improvements in certain areas of social policy could be an important step toward ensuring our economic future.

For instance, one of the simplest ways to put an already low-income family or person into poverty is an unplanned pregnancy.

Ensuring both physical and financial access to contraception and abortion is necessary to prevent these situations.

Instead of helping people, politicians try to curtail women’s rights in the name of “family values,” sometimes leading to situations of financial hardship.

After that, some have the gall to rail against people on welfare and other support programs.

Rather than accusing these people of being “takers,” perhaps we should stop creating conditions that lead to these situations for women and families.

Not only is it the just thing to do, but it also would lead to fewer families in poverty.

Richard Florida is a well-known economist specializing in urban economic development. In his works, he said a “creative class” of educated, culturally diverse problem-solvers is necessary for innovation and economic growth.

Three of the main criteria for attracting the creative class are talent, tolerance and technology.

The second of these, tolerance, is important here.

If the United States, Indiana or any other place is not culturally or legislatively tolerant, it could have a hard time attracting people and businesses that lead to economic success.

The business world is changing, and bastions of cultural conservatism could be left behind in an era in which many successful workers and owners are LGBT, immigrants, women or racial minorities.

Continuing progress and reversing regression in areas like fair policing, racial and marriage equality and rights of workers and women are needed to develop economically.

Social progress is an area that has been somewhat ignored during this election cycle except by conservative loudmouths like Republican Senate candidate State Treasurer Richard Mourdock and vice presidential candidate Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis. These pundits want to move backward in terms of equality.

Jobs are undoubtedly important to America right now, but do not forget essential social issues at the polls.

The two parties might, unfortunately, have similar views on some things, but progressive Democrats stand far ahead of Republicans on social issues.

These issues directly affect the lives of millions of people across America.

Progress must be made. We must not go backward.

­— estahr@indiana.edu