Justice and Egalitarian Relations

Relational egalitarians argue that equality does not require equal distributive shares of some good, but that people relate as equals. Christian Schemmel provides the first comprehensive development of a liberal conception of relational equality, which understands relations of non-domination and egalitarian norms of social status as stringent demands of social justice. He argues that expressing respect for the freedom and equality of individuals in social cooperation requires stringent protections against domination and that non-domination is a particularly important, but not the only, concern of social justice. He also develops an account of the wrongness of inegalitarian norms of social status, which shows how status-induced foreclosure of important social opportunities is a social injustice in its own right.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Equality holds immense significance as a social and political value, transcending mere fairness and extending to the very essence of human relationships. It is a fundamental principle that demands that individuals be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their differences.

Relational egalitarians argue that equality does not solely revolve around equal distributive shares of some good. Instead, it encompasses the idea of relating as equals, where individuals are acknowledged and valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. This perspective challenges the notion of hierarchical structures and power dynamics that often perpetuate inequality.

In his comprehensive development of a liberal conception of relational equality, Christian Schemmel provides a profound understanding of the demands of social justice. He argues that expressing respect for the freedom and equality of individuals in social cooperation necessitates stringent protections against domination. Schemmel recognizes that dominance can manifest in various forms, including discrimination, prejudice, and unequal access to resources and opportunities. To address this, he advocates for robust measures to prevent and rectify domination, such as anti-discrimination laws, equal rights policies, and social welfare programs.

However, Schemmel goes beyond mere prevention of domination. He develops a substantive, liberal conception of non-domination, which encompasses not only the absence of dominance but also the promotion of equality and fairness. Non-domination is a central concern of social justice because it ensures that individuals have the freedom to pursue their aspirations and engage in meaningful social interactions without being hindered or oppressed by others.

Schemmel further explores the wrongness of inegalitarian norms of social status, which perpetuate inequality and limit social opportunities. He argues that status-induced foreclosure of important social opportunities is a social injustice in its own right, over and above the role of status inequality in enabling domination. Status inequality can lead to a sense of powerlessness and disempowerment, undermining individuals' self-respect and dignity.

To address these issues, Schemmel articulates the implications of liberal relational egalitarianism for political, economic, and health justice. He emphasizes the need for far-reaching forms of equality in all three domains. This includes equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, as well as the recognition and respect of diverse identities and cultures.

Justice and Egalitarian Relations, a groundbreaking work, brings together scholarship in a variety of related topics, from social justice and liberalism to distributive and social equality, republicanism, non-domination, and self-respect. The book showcases the depth and complexity of the debate surrounding equality and provides a comprehensive framework for understanding its significance in contemporary society.

In conclusion, equality matters as a social and political value because it upholds the fundamental principle of human dignity and respect. It requires individuals to relate as equals, with equal opportunities and protections against domination. By promoting non-domination and challenging inegalitarian norms of social status, we can create a more just and equitable world where everyone can thrive and contribute to the betterment of society.

Weight: 642g
Dimension: 165 x 245 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190084240