Moneyism

Nature

The system of using money to make decisions.

Background

The global significance of moneyism—where monetary value supersedes ethical, social, or cultural considerations—emerged prominently during the late 20th century, as rapid financialization and market-driven policies reshaped societies. Scholars and activists began documenting its pervasive influence in the 1980s, noting its role in widening inequality and eroding communal bonds. Subsequent international debates, particularly after the 2008 financial crisis, deepened awareness of moneyism’s systemic impact on governance, social cohesion, and human well-being.

Incidence

Moneyism, characterized by the pervasive prioritization of monetary value over social, ethical, or environmental considerations, manifests globally across diverse sectors. Its influence is evident in policy-making, corporate governance, and even cultural norms, often resulting in widening economic disparities and undermining collective well-being. The phenomenon is particularly pronounced in rapidly developing economies and financial markets, where profit maximization frequently overshadows public interest.
In 2023, the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in the United States highlighted the risks of moneyism, as aggressive profit-driven strategies and inadequate regulatory oversight led to significant financial instability, affecting thousands of businesses and investors worldwide.

Claim

The idea that this money brings more security than intact ecosystems is a kind of delusional insanity, yet it is very real in the minds of so many people around the world.

Counter-claim

The so-called issue of "Moneyism" is vastly overstated and hardly deserves our concern. In reality, money is simply a tool—neither inherently good nor bad. Blaming society’s problems on money itself distracts from real issues like poor governance or lack of opportunity. Focusing on "Moneyism" is a waste of time and energy; it’s not an important problem at all compared to the genuine challenges we face.