inegalitarian

Inegalitarian is an adjective used to describe societies, systems, or attitudes that are characterized by inequality. It denotes a lack of equality, particularly in the distribution of resources, opportunities, power, or status. An inegalitarian system is one where disparities are not only present but are often institutionalized or perpetuated.

The term can be applied to various contexts. For example, an inegalitarian economic system might feature significant differences in wealth accumulation and income, with a small portion of the population holding a disproportionately large share of assets. Similarly, an inegalitarian social structure could be one where certain groups face systemic discrimination or have limited access to education, healthcare, or political participation based on factors such as race, gender, or class. Inegalitarian attitudes reflect a belief in or acceptance of such disparities as natural or justified.

The opposite of inegalitarian is egalitarian, which describes a belief in or system that promotes equality. Discussions around inegalitarianism often focus on its causes, consequences, and potential remedies, exploring the ethical and practical implications of social and economic stratification.