Abstract

The question in the title of this essay seems farfetched, but is a way to look at the preconditions for social security at a very general level. Primitive single-cell organisms are probably relatively common in the galaxy, but it is highly unlikely that it has developed to the stage of intelligent life at any other planet besides Earth. If such intelligent aliens exist, they are likely to need some sort of social security. It is uncertain, however, if they are able to realise the social preconditions for the development of social security. In particular, it is difficult to answer the question whether they will create nation-states with sufficient control over their populations.

How to Cite:

Van den Bosch, K., (2011) “Is er sociale zekerheid op andere planeten?”, Tijdschrift voor Sociologie 32(1), 5–23. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/sociologos.86766