These elements together constitute the Lockeian version of what C.B. Macpherson has called a theory of possessive individu alism.' Under this theory, individuals define themselves, attain social status, and relate to others largely through the institutions of private property, contract, and market that help to create wealth but also generate and legitimate persistent inequalities (Macpherson, 1962). On the other hand Locke believed, as already noted, in a natu ral human sociability and concern for the interests of others that might mitigate these inequalities. Peter Laslett, describing Locke's theory of property as incomplete, not a little confused and inadequate to the problem as it has been analysed since his day,' has viewed that theory as quite consistent with state-mandated regulation and redistribution.