Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 2.djvu/794

 778 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

turbances affecting earners of salaries. The explanation of this is that with all the other risks there are sufficient data in the experience of other insurance companies to furnish a basis of calculation, but there being none for the causes affecting the stability of employment, such an elastic clause must be included. This, however, is a matter of no little importance to the insured, and must be given full consideration in estimating the advantages and disadvantages of the plan.

The table on page 779 gives a comparative view of the advan- tages and disadvantages of all the systems from the standpoint of the insured workman, taking the maximum premium and bene- fit as a basis.

It appears that the Swiss systems, which are much more scien- tifically elaborated, afford the greatest advantages to the insured, so far as the ratio of premiums to benefits is concerned. While with the highest paid laborers the ratio rises above 10 per cent., yet as a rule it falls below that figure. With the Bologna system the ratio is above that figure, while with the Cologne system it is far above it. In fact it is considerably higher than with the American commercial system. With the former the variation is from 19.1 per cent, to 31.6 per cent.; while with the latter, even including the possible assessment, the variation is from 1 1 per cent, to 25 per cent., or without the assessment from 8.8 per cent. to 20 per cent. In respect to the American laborer it is evident that a well organized and conducted system of mutual aid would accomplish the same result with less sacrifice, but experience has demonstrated the futility or at least the insufficiency of these for the present at least. Systems such as those adopted in Europe are even more inadequate. It is true that the practical point to be considered in each case is not so much the advantages rela- tive to foreign systems as the advantage compared with that which actually or potentially exists in the same society. Yet this consideration is one aside from our present purpose.

One point of difference is to be noted, and it is characteristic of the different principles upon which the institutions are founded. The American plan, based upon commercial principles,