Egalitarianism

Egalitarianism (derived from the French word égal, meaning "equal") has two distinct definitions in modern English . It is defined either as a political doctrine that holds that all people should be treated as equals and have the same political, economic, social, and civil rights, or as a social philosophy advocating the removal of economic inequalities among people. Throughout history, people have been divided into an upper class and a working class (in Ancient Rome, the respective terms were patricians and plebians); the rise of a third estate or middle class led philosophers to question the assumption that class divisions were natural and necessary. Egalitarianism asserts that all people are of equal value and should be treated the same irrespective of their birth.

Applications of egalitarianism

Common forms of egalitarianism include economic egalitarianism, legal egalitarianism, luck egalitarianism, political egalitarianism, gender egalitarianism, racial equality, asset-based egalitarianism, and Christian egalitarianism.

Christian egalitarianism

See also: Christian egalitarianism

The Christian egalitarian view holds that the Bible teaches the fundamental equality of men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, all economic classes, and all age groups, based on the teachings and example of Jesus Christ and the overarching principles of scripture.

Egalitarianism with regard to the doctrine of grace is taught throughout the Bible. In both the Tanakh and New Testament, repeated reference is made to the doctrine. Scholars argue that the system of laws used in Ancient Israel outlined a basis for human rights that was egalitarian at its core: "Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike…" (Deuteronomy 1:17), discussing the economy of grace by which God deals with his subjects. In the NT, the Apostle Peter in a post-resurrection appearance says, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism…" (Acts 10:34).

Ultimately, Christian egalitarianism holds that all people are equal in fundamental worth and moral status. A significant source of this trend of thought is the Christian notion that humankind were created in the living image of God (Imago Dei) Illustrative of efforts to institutionalize this notion are these excerpts from an organizational Statement of Faith:

• We believe in the equality and essential dignity of men and women of all ethnicities, ages, and classes. We recognize that all persons are made in the image of God and are to reflect that image in the community of believers, in the home, and in society.

• We believe that men and women are to diligently develop and use their God-given gifts for the good of the home, church and society.

Political egalitarianism

The framers of various modern governments made references to the Enlightenment principles of egalitarianism, "inalienable rights endowed by their Creator," in the moral principles by which they lived, and which formed the basis for their legacy.

Broadly egalitarian philosophies

At a cultural level, egalitarian theories have developed in sophistication and acceptance during the past two hundred years. Among the notable broadly egalitarian philosophies are Socialism, Communism, Anarchism, Left-Libertarianism, Progressivism, and Human Rights, which promote economic, political, and legal egalitarianism, respectively. Several egalitarian ideas enjoy wide support among intellectuals and in the general populations of many countries. Whether any of these ideas have been significantly implemented in practice, however, remains a controversial question. For instance, some argue that modern representative democracy is a realization of political egalitarianism, while others believe that, in reality, most political power still resides in the hands of a ruling class, rather than in the hands of the people.

Egalitarianism in young adults and children

A study of American college students published in Nature showed that people are willing to pay to reduce inequality. When subjects were placed into groups and given random amounts of income, they spent their own money to reduce the incomes of the highest earners and increase the incomes of the lowest earners. Critics argued that no experiments have been made on working adults whereupon they might not be generous with redistribution of their income.

In a follow-up study, Swiss children showed a significant increase in sharing between the ages of 3 and 8. It has not been determined whether the results of either of these experiments are due to an innate instinct, or exposure to and adoption of the customs of other people.

Criticism and support

A society that meets the meritocratic goal of equal opportunity might still be a harsh environment for those who lack the physical or mental capabilities to compete. It has been argued that policies that go beyond the meritocratic ideals are ineffective. Political correctness has been criticised for establishing a "petty word" society.

Various other anti-egalitarian views have been brought forward, among others in the discussion on the distribution of income. To the contrary, John Rawls has argued that the welfare of a society depends on the welfare of the worst-off individual because society is better off if one improves the welfare of others.

See also

• "All men are created equal"
• Asset-based egalitarianism
• Basic income
• Deep ecology
• Discrimination
• Equality of outcome
• Equal opportunity
• Gender equality
• Gift economy
• Harrison Bergeron
• Inequity aversion
• Jock Tamson's Bairns
• Liberalism
• Liberté, égalité, fraternité
• Reciprocal altruism
• Social equality
• Socialism
• Tall poppy syndrome a pejorative term used in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand
• Jante Law

External links

• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy:
  • Egalitarianism, by R. Arneson (2002).
  • Equality, by S. Gosepath (2007).
  • Equality of opportunity, by R. Arneson (2002).
• Lepowsky, Maria. 1993. Fruit of the Motherland: Gender in an Egalitarian Society. New York: Columbia University Press.
• The Equality Studies Centre
• Twin Oaks Intentional Community
• Federation of Egalitarian Communities