When the individual is seen as a mere instrument, when evolution obtains by rejecting the unfit, when relationships are based on a competition where the loser capitulates, then we are dealing with a vertical model of society whose founding values are separation and annihilation. Anyone who jeopardises individual interests, the goals, the privileges of an individual, a population, or a nation, is to be regarded as an enemy. They are other, different, and cannot be recognised as fellow human beings because the only recognisable fellow humans are the other members of the ‘chosen’ group (many think in terms of closeness to god), the only one that is permitted to advance.

States who embrace this social model do not adopt general measures to guarantee and protect what is necessary for individuals to create a basis for their existence, and to acquire the tools needed to advance (education, healthcare, labour).

The state, the community, does not offer services in these areas or, when they do, their quality is poor. An adequate education, one that allows citizens to find a decent job, is expensive – sometimes so expensive as to put literally a mortgage on the future of those who depend on it. If the family cannot or will not pay school fees, students take out loans which they have to repay at a future date. Therefore a good part of their future income will not be spent on basic needs, to purchase a house, or for personal expenses, but to pay back the loan. There are corrective measures, such as study grants for those who achieve brilliant results in education or sport, but for the masses, for those who do not excel, the bottom line is that a schooling which offers job prospects remains a privilege of the few.

The same happens with healthcare. In some countries, hospitalisation is dependent on owning a credit card or having substantial insurance. Those who do not possess these do not get treated at all, or can only be treated in charity facilities which are less efficient than paying hospitals. Lastly, where there is no labour security competition between workers is ruthless, and people can end up on the side of the road without justification.