Sir, – Kathleen Lynch’s pioneering academic work in relation to equality and her advocacy of equality are inspiring. It is, therefore, with great reluctance that I wish to take issue with aspects of her article (Opinion, November 24th).
Her assertion that “charity at the individual level . . . is driven by the desire for moral recognition on the part of those who give rather than the recognition of the rights of those who receive. It can and does service the guilt of the better-off, rather than the needs of the vulnerable to live with dignity and independence” is highly judgmental and unfair to so many who work on behalf of charities. It also presumes to know with certainty the motivation of numerous volunteers who tirelessly seek to provide practical assistance to those who are struggling to make ends meet and who are on the margins of society.
Her piece fails, in my view, to adequately acknowledge the very many charitable organisations and individuals who combine an insistence on justice and equality with practical support for people who need material help now.
Prof Lynch will be aware that people who are suffering need help now and cannot afford to wait for the State to implement policies which might achieve, at some time in the future, substantial equality and result in a more just society. There is no inherent contradiction between providing people with practical support to help mitigate the effects of unjust structures and public policy, and working for greater social justice.
That said, I fundamentally agree with her reminder that charity is not justice and I share her support for a progressive taxation system to assist in re-distributing wealth with a view to achieving a more equal and equitable society. – Yours, etc,