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The Price of Fairness

The Price of Fairness

2017

TV-PG

Director

Alex Gabbay

Runtime

76 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

Why do we accept huge levels of inequality and social injustice? This is one of the central questions that The Price of Fairness sets out to answer, beginning with a surprising set of social experiments in Norway, which suggest that our willingness to support systems of inequality is far greater than we are often prepared to admit. In Atlanta, we take a different look at fairness, from the perspective of a group of capuchin monkeys. Behavioural scientist Sarah Bronson's work with the monkeys questions the idea that we have an evolutionary tendency towards selfish behaviour. Could it be that the outrage we feel towards systems of inequality have roots in our human need for cooperation? Touching on issues of economic, political, racial and gender inequality, this film offers a thought-provoking and timely look at what fairness really means to us.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

7.1/10

Good


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Fair

The film focuses on macro-sociological questions of inequality. While it examines gender inequality, there are no explicit depictions of queer identity or specific LGBTQ+ character arcs.

Gender Representation

Good

The documentary engages with gendered power dynamics and systemic unfairness. Behavioral scientist Sarah Bronson serves as a central intellectual figure driving the inquiry.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Good

The narrative explicitly cites racial inequality as a primary subject. It uses comparative studies to disrupt monolithic views of the human experience and identity-based power dynamics.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Excellent

The film critiques traditional Western socio-economic structures and capitalist hierarchies. It challenges competitive individualism by framing cooperation as a biological and social necessity.

Disability Representation

Minimal

There is no specific evidence regarding the portrayal of neurodivergence or physical disabilities in the film's narrative.

Strengths

  • Challenges traditional Western narratives of competitive individualism and capitalist hierarchies.
  • Utilizes behavioral science to provide a sophisticated look at systemic power dynamics.
  • Employs a comparative, intersectional approach by studying diverse social structures and experiments.

Areas for Improvement

  • Lacks explicit depictions or character arcs centered on LGBTQ+ identities.
  • Provides no visible representation or focus regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

AI Analysis

The Price of Fairness is an intellectual documentary that prioritizes systemic analysis over individualistic storytelling. It uses behavioral science and cross-cultural comparisons to challenge the inevitability of social hierarchies and economic inequality. The film succeeds in framing fairness as a fundamental requirement for social cohesion rather than a mere moral preference. By investigating racial and gender inequalities, it moves beyond surface-level representation to address deep-seated structural issues. While the film lacks specific details regarding LGBTQ+ or disability representation, its thematic focus on social justice provides a progressive framework for understanding collective responsibility.

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