The conventional approach to addressing poverty often frames it as a problem to be “combated,” implying a direct assault on a tangible enemy. However, a unicist functionalist perspective reveals a more nuanced reality: poverty is not an entity to be fought, but rather the absence of wealth. The concept of “Combating Poverty” is an ideological fallacy that has many followers.

Therefore, the true solution lies not in the redistribution of existing resources – a politically driven action that often yields unsustainable results – but in the generation of new wealth. This shift in focus, from “combating poverty” to fostering wealth creation, is not merely semantic; it represents a fundamental change in strategy, moving from short-term relief to long-term, sustainable progress. 

While political actions aimed at poverty reduction may offer temporary alleviation, they often fail to address the underlying systemic issues that perpetuate economic stagnation. True and lasting improvement requires a focus on building a robust and dynamic economy capable of generating wealth for all its participants. 

This report will explore the principles and strategies necessary to achieve this goal, emphasizing the critical distinction between wealth generation as a driver of evolution and the “combat of poverty” as a primarily political endeavor.

From a unicist functionalist perspective, focusing on wealth generation is the key to addressing poverty. The statement “Poverty cannot be reduced; what can be done is increasing the generation of wealth” aligns perfectly with the core principles of this approach. Here’s why:

• Poverty as an Absence: Poverty isn’t a tangible entity to be “combated” or “reduced.” It’s the absence of wealth. Trying to directly “reduce” poverty often leads to unsustainable redistribution efforts that don’t address the underlying causes.
• Wealth Creation as the Solution: The focus must shift to creating the conditions for sustainable wealth generation. This means fostering an environment where individuals and businesses can thrive, innovate, and produce value.
• Systemic Approach: The unicist approach emphasizes understanding the system as a whole. Wealth creation isn’t just about individual success; it’s about creating a system that supports and encourages economic activity at all levels.
• Sustainable Solutions: Wealth generation, when done right, creates a positive feedback loop. Increased wealth leads to more investment, innovation, and opportunities, further fueling economic growth and improving living standards.

The Unicist Ontogenetic Map of Wealth Generation

Core Concept: The ontogenetic map of wealth generation defines the functionalist principle that makes it work. It’s a blueprint of the inherent logic and dynamics that drive the creation of wealth within a system. Elements of the Map:

• Purpose: Work. This implies the use of force, in whatever form (physical, intellectual, technological), and the generation of added value. Work is the fundamental driver, the application of effort and resources to produce something of value.
• Active Function: Technology. This enables producing more with less. It’s the engine of efficiency and productivity, allowing for greater output with fewer inputs. Technology encompasses not just machines, but also processes, knowledge, and innovation.
• Energy Conservation Function: Education. Considered as the capacity to learn and be resilient. Education provides the human capital necessary to adapt to changing conditions, leverage technology effectively, and sustain wealth generation over time. It’s the stabilizing force that ensures long-term economic viability.
• Catalyst: Scarcity. Wealth generation in an environment is catalyzed by scarcity. Scarcity drives innovation, efficiency, and resourcefulness. When resources are limited, individuals and societies are compelled to find new ways to generate value.
• Inhibitors: Abundance or Poverty. Both abundance and poverty can inhibit wealth generation. Abundance can lead to complacency and inefficiency, while poverty restricts access to the necessary resources and opportunities.

Binary Actions (Essential for Functionality):

• Define the Technological Profile: The first action defines the technological profile of the economic system. This establishes the foundation for wealth generation by determining the technological capabilities and infrastructure that will be used to produce goods and services.
• Establish an Educational System: The second binary action establishes an educational system to ensure wealth generation. This provides the human capital necessary to support and sustain technological advancement, making it possible for the economy to grow and evolve.

Explanation and Interconnections:

• Work as the Foundation: The map begins with work, emphasizing that wealth creation is fundamentally about applying effort and resources to produce value.
• Technology as the Amplifier: Technology acts as an amplifier, enabling individuals and organizations to produce more with less effort. It’s the key to increasing productivity and efficiency.
• Education as the Sustainer: Education ensures that the workforce is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to leverage technology effectively and adapt to changing economic conditions.
• Scarcity as the Motivator: Scarcity creates the pressure and incentive to innovate and find new ways to generate value.
• The Binary Actions as the Framework: The binary actions provide the framework for wealth generation, ensuring that the technological infrastructure and human capital are in place to support economic growth.

In essence, the ontogenetic map of wealth generation highlights the interconnectedness of work, technology, and education, and emphasizes the importance of creating an environment that fosters innovation, efficiency, and resilience.

By focusing on these strategies, any country can create a virtuous cycle of wealth generation that lifts people out of poverty and creates a more prosperous and equitable society. The key is to understand the underlying functional principles and to design interventions that address the root causes of economic stagnation.

(*) Developed with the Unicist Social & Economic Lab.

The Unicist Research Institute