>(b) we allow businesses to profit wildly while not paying enough (by exploiting (a)), because we have the taboo that not meddling with the market is the best c

>(b) we allow businesses to profit wildly while not paying enough (by exploiting (a)), because we have the taboo that not meddling with the market is the best course of action. A more englightened society that didn't pay too much attention to economy pundits working for rich people, might find a way for better revenue sharing with employees... You have to be careful there because the overwhelming surplus of cheaply acquired goods/services goes to the people who received the goods and services and not the person selling the goods and services. Businesses only capture it when they have a competitive advantage (either because they have no competition or b/c the cost savings can't be matched by a competitor). Grocery clerks are lowly paid. But grocery is a competitive, low margin business. So those low wages mostly mean cheap food.