“Why do those who are exploited end up defending the system that exploits them?”

Abstract

The text examines the paradox that middle and lower classes, despite being most affected by inequality, often defend the system that produces it. It argues that this is not accidental, but shaped by narratives that influence social perception, such as the belief that current progress is a result of the system itself. The author contends that many historical advancements in rights and living conditions were not granted by elites, but achieved through social struggle and political pressure.

At the same time, it suggests that contemporary democracy and capitalism have lost part of their original meaning, often limiting real participation and reinforcing inequality. Nevertheless, these systems remain legitimate through narratives like meritocracy, fear of change, and the idea that no viable alternatives exist. Examples such as the United States and Costa Rica illustrate how democratic achievements can coexist with growing inequalities and resistance to structural critique.

Ultimately, the text argues that the system’s greatest strength lies in its ability to present itself as natural and inevitable, making it difficult for people to imagine alternative forms of social and political organization.