Meaning: The quote "There is a crisis of public morality. Instead of policing bedrooms, we ought to be doing a better job policing boardrooms" by Robert Reich, an economist and former Secretary of Labor in the United States, highlights an important shift in focus from personal morality to corporate morality and accountability. In this quote, Reich suggests that society's attention and resources should be directed towards holding corporate entities and leaders accountable for their actions, rather than involving itself in regulating the private lives and behaviors of individuals.

Reich's quote reflects a broader societal issue and a call for a reevaluation of moral priorities. The phrase "crisis of public morality" suggests that there is a significant breakdown in ethical behavior within the public sphere, particularly in relation to the actions and behaviors of powerful corporate entities. This crisis may encompass a range of issues including corporate malfeasance, environmental exploitation, labor abuses, and economic inequality, among others. Reich's assertion that we should focus on "policing boardrooms" implies that these are the areas where moral lapses are most consequential and potentially damaging to society as a whole.

The juxtaposition of "policing bedrooms" with "policing boardrooms" is a deliberate contrast that draws attention to the misplaced priorities in societal moral policing. The reference to "policing bedrooms" alludes to the historical and often ongoing tendency for society and governments to regulate and enforce moral standards in individuals' personal lives, particularly in areas such as sexuality, relationships, and personal freedoms. Reich's critique of this focus implies that the resources and attention dedicated to these personal matters would be better utilized in addressing the ethical conduct of corporations and their leadership.

Reich's call for a better job of "policing boardrooms" suggests the need for increased oversight, regulation, and accountability for corporate entities and their decision-makers. This could involve measures such as stricter enforcement of existing regulations, implementing new laws to curb corporate abuses, promoting transparency in corporate practices, and ensuring that corporate leaders are held responsible for unethical or illegal behavior. By emphasizing the importance of policing boardrooms, Reich advocates for a shift in societal priorities towards addressing systemic issues that have far-reaching implications for the well-being of society.

In a broader context, Reich's quote also speaks to the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the need for businesses to operate ethically and contribute positively to society. It underscores the idea that corporations have a responsibility beyond maximizing profits and should be held to high moral and ethical standards in their operations, treatment of employees, impact on the environment, and contributions to the communities in which they operate.

Reich's perspective aligns with a growing awareness of the impact and influence of corporate power in shaping societal values and norms. It reflects a call for greater scrutiny and accountability of corporate behavior, particularly in light of various corporate scandals, financial crises, and ethical lapses that have undermined public trust in the business sector. By redirecting attention towards the moral conduct of corporations, Reich's quote challenges society to reevaluate where its moral focus should lie and to prioritize the well-being and ethical integrity of the larger community.

In conclusion, Robert Reich's quote "There is a crisis of public morality. Instead of policing bedrooms, we ought to be doing a better job policing boardrooms" serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the need to shift societal priorities towards addressing corporate moral conduct and accountability. It prompts reflection on the allocation of resources and attention in addressing ethical lapses and underscores the importance of holding corporate entities to high moral and ethical standards for the betterment of society.