[rogerv]

In some case we do use coercion. We have social obligations and duties we don't let people opt out of. For example, we insist on child support from absent dads. We insist that parents take care of their children, and do apply coercion to negligent ones. Not every social obligation requires such sanctions, and we are better off if we let the ones who are too selfish to chip in to go off in their own directions. I think it is important that we socialize our kids into a sense that we need to pay our debt of gratitude to society by some form of service. That's where we start, I think, not at the other end wondering what to do about those who don't care much for others. So, the short answer is: instill the sense of obligation early, and my guess is that enforcement issues will matter less, and certainly not be the general problem you suggest.

[KJacob]

I think it is important that we socialize our kids into a sense that we need to pay our debt of gratitude to society by some form of service

That has been done for years. Schools today are constantly teaching kids how to share and treat others. If not in schools then most churches in the country teach the same thing.

I think your mention of deadbeat dads is off the subject. A dad has an obligation to a child he fathered. But if someone that has no such obligation does not want to help others then how do you force him?