egalitarianism

Egalitarianism is a family of theories that give central importance to equality among persons. At its core, it holds that individuals have equal moral worth and that social arrangements should not unjustly privilege some people over others. The doctrine often distinguishes between equality of opportunity, meaning equal access to opportunities, and equality of outcome, the aim of reducing large disparities in living standards. Different strands emphasize different instruments: some favor formal non-discrimination and equal rights under the law; others advocate redistributive policies or compensation for luck and disadvantage.

Historically, egalitarian ideas have evolved from equal legal rights in liberal democracies toward broader social and economic equality. The 20th century saw debates about the scope and means of equality within welfare states and constitutional systems. Major variants include liberal egalitarianism, which emphasizes fair distribution of primary social goods such as rights, liberties, and opportunities; luck egalitarianism, which seeks to counteract brute luck in life prospects; and socialist or distributive egalitarianism, which favors more equal economic outcomes or ownership structures.

Critiques center on feasibility and trade-offs, notably between equality and liberty, efficiency, and personal responsibility. Libertarian and conservative critics question whether equality should override individual freedoms or incentives. Proponents respond that well-designed institutions can protect liberty while advancing fair equality. In policy terms, egalitarian aims are often expressed through education, healthcare, taxation, and social insurance and through legal protections against discrimination.