Is Total Equality a Worthy Ideal?

Equality is a common theme in modern times. Some people are skeptical of this ideal. It’s not practical and it poses a threat to individual liberty. So is total equality a worthy ideal or not? What’s the price? Let’s consider the pros and cons of total equality. Here’s how I view this question:

Impractical

The concept of total equality is both appealing and problematic. Although economists think it is a dangerous utopia to believe, this utopia never materializes. The basic principle behind equality is that everyone is equal and there is no superiority. This principle argues that individuals with more value should still be considered equal to others. This idea leads to violence. However, total equality may still be desired, and some advocates believe it is in our best interest to achieve it.

Moreover, achieving equality requires an equal distribution of resources among individuals, and this requires an equal utility for all. Total equality would be impossible because it would impose enormous administrative burdens on society. It encourages champagne and asceticism, which are polar opposites. It would also allow for hopeless hypothetical judgements about ordinary citizens’ preferences. Dworkin concludes therefore that Dworkin’s ideal for equality is impossible to achieve.

Individual freedom at risk

Individual freedom is the absence of any external restrictions on an individual’s freedom. Collective coercion, on the other hand, prevents individuals from forcibly acting against their neighbors. While this is an important ideal, a legitimate limitation of the ambit of free choice must be based on the equality of men in society. This is a difficult concept to grasp and debate.

Today, liberal democracy’s enemies – those that recognize human rights and guarantee equal treatment under the law- are intensifying their attacks. They are encouraging and supporting other authoritarian tendencies as authoritarian regimes become more successful in coopting citizens’ freedoms. These forces exploit the weaknesses in democratic systems to distort nation politics, foster hatred and violence, and tilt countries towards authoritarianism.

Cost of attaining total equality

The cost of achieving total equality has been discussed in various books and discussions. Arthur Okun, an economist at Yale University and Brookings Institution, stated that total equality is expensive. He claimed that people are less likely to invest or work if they have less income and wealth. Furthermore, efforts to redistribute wealth will require large expenditures. Okun likened the redistribution process to a “leaky bucket.”

Gender equality requires major changes for men, including the redefinition of their roles and rights in all spheres of life. It is important to recognize that men have a social identity that is based on their gender. Male characteristics are often the norm, while female traits are considered to be variations of this norm. It is vital that men and woman have equal chances to live productive lives and be able to have children. Gender equality is not easy.