Introduction to Political Theory

Chapter 3

Equality

Introduction

Equality is a fundamental political concept, but also a very complex one. While

the core idea of equality is that people should be treated in the same way,

there are many different principles of equality. To provide a coherent defence

of equality requires separating out the various principles, and explaining what

it is that is being equalised: is it income, or well-being, the capacity to acquire

certain goods, or something else? Equality, or particular principles of equality,

must then be reconciled with other political values, or principles, such as

freedom and efficiency. For that reason, this chapter is primarily conceptual,

in that it aims to set out a number of principles of equality, and explain the

relationships between them. The discussion will necessarily refer back to

Chapter 2 (Freedom), and forward to Chapter 4 (Justice).

Chapter map

In this chapter we will:

• Set out various principles of equality:
  formal equality, moral equality, equality
  before the law, equal liberty and equal
  access, material equality (equality of
  opportunity, equality of outcome and
  affirmative action).


• Discuss, in more detail, those
  principles.
  
  
  • Consider a radical anti-egalitarian
    perspective.
  
  
  • Consider the relationship between
    freedom and equality.
  
  
  • Discuss Dworkin’s distinction between
    ‘welfarist’ and ‘resourcist’ theories of
    equality.