Many people have said that we need a "new normal" in the post-pandemic world so we can right the inherent inequalities that COVID-19 has exposed. Yet, as good as their intentions are, they do not have a solid framework for how to make this noble vision a reality in our society. 

The following are twelve ways the Balanced Paradigm can transform the very structure of how we treat each other, govern ourselves and do business based on a more just, equitable and happier society. 

These practical benefits were developed by applying one of the wisdom principles of the Balanced Paradigm to reverse the 12 negative effects of the inherent imbalance of the current Mechanistic Paradigm. The wisdom-based principles of the Balanced Paradigm are:

• Increase Economic Growth

In the old Mechanistic Paradigm model, wealthy citizens maintained disproportionate political power compared to poorer citizens which encouraged the development of inefficient tax structures skewed in favor of the wealthy. Equal income distribution increases political stability. Economists have found empirical evidence of a positive correlation between long-term growth rates and sustained economic balance which decreases the level of poverty. 

• Help Decrease Crime 

Studies have established a positive relationship between income balance and crime. The greater equity created by the Balanced Paradigm increases greater community involvement and lowers homicide rates.

• Improve Public Heath 

In a balanced society, impoverished members will be less susceptible to disproportionate rates of illnesses. In an equitable society, there will be less disease, lower mortality rates and health care costs. Also, recent studies of the top 21 industrialized countries have shown that life expectancy is increased for everyone.

• Enhance Education

Empirical research has revealed a link between education and poverty. In an economically unequal society, the average level of education decreases while the number of educational options for the wealthy increases. It also creates the tendency for governments to reduce support for public education. In imbalanced societies, as the rich become increasingly wealthier, public policies become increasingly favorable to their policy goals.

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• Improve Equity in Society

The both-and perspective created by the Balanced Paradigm reduces racial and gender inequities making us aware that we all belong to the human race. Coming from a position of oneness increases population-wide satisfaction and happiness in society.  

• Develop Economic Equality

Researchers have found that income imbalance increases the rates of health and social problems. The Balanced Paradigm helps to decrease economic imbalance and stop stratification of society into "haves" and "have nots." The resulting equalization of income helps prevent our civilization from collapsing. If we don't, we are opening ourselves up to the same fate as what happened to the Roman and Han empires which self-destructed because of inequality. 

• Increase Social Unity

Research has shown an inverse relationship between income imbalance and social cohesion. In more equal societies, people are much more likely to trust each other, feel a greater sense of goodwill, mutual sympathy and social connection with other groups who make up society

• Improve the Well-Being of "Essential Employees"

Greater income balance can lead to decentralization of the labor force, resulting in employers needing more workers. This helps employees take advantage of increased competition which  leads to increased take home income. It also provides an effective way to counterbalance job losses due to artificial intelligence, automation and robotics.

• Reinforce our Democracy

Politically, the Balanced Paradigm helps reinforce our democracy by restoring the checks and balances that the framers of the Constitution so wisely built into the Declaration of Independence. Economic balance also increases participation by the poor which empowers them to have greater influence over policies that effect their well-being and reduces the ability of wealthy groups to corrupt the political process.

• Balanced Trade 

The Balanced Paradigm creates sustainable economic growth by reestablishing balanced trade relationships which counterbalances increasing trade deficits. 

• Strengthen Businesses 

The Balanced Paradigm also helps shrink the income gap and power imbalance between CEOs and employees by establishing a balanced playing field among management, stakeholders and employees which increases loyalty and morale throughout organizations. It also helps companies be more viable by balancing their financial sheets and establishing genuine work-life balance for employees.

• Create Mutual Consensus  

Harmony, oneness, unity and wisdom are defining characteristics of the Balanced Paradigm. They provide the context for the creation of national unity through mutual respect in our society, while its both-and perspective and associated wisdom-based strategies counterbalance political polarization and intolerance.

In the Age of Balance these 12 benefits become the new goals for society. 

To learn more contact Jack Beauregard at jack@wisdomcompany.org