In the recent debate on egalitarianism, there has been a growing focus on relational concepts, expanding the approach to equality beyond mere distribution. These theories emphasize a relational perspective and introduce new concepts. Consequently, equ...
In the recent debate on egalitarianism, there has been a growing focus on relational concepts, expanding the approach to equality beyond mere distribution. These theories emphasize a relational perspective and introduce new concepts. Consequently, equality is now understood not only as the distributive equality of material goods but also as equal social relations or the quality of social relations. Equal treatment is evaluated by shifting the focus on the way in which institutions distribute goods, rather than on the shares distributed by the institutions. In particular, the equality principle of relational egalitarianism aims to achieve equal social relations, surpassing the limitations of traditional liberal equality principles. It seeks to extend the application of the equality principle from social institutions to individual actions.
While there are ongoing debates within the field of relational egalitarianism, particularly regarding whether the content of the equality principle pertains to achieving relational equality or removing unjust social relations, discussions have emerged on how to concretize the distribution principle of relational egalitarianism. Recently, Schemmel proposed a theory known as liberal relational egalitarianism, which offers a specific formulation of the principle of relational equality by encompassing comprehensive power equality and non-domination. However, Schemmel's theory still exhibits limitations inherent to liberalism and lacks distinctive features compared to traditional egalitarian principles.
To reconstruct the existing principle of equality, it is necessary to establish the principle of relational equality as an egalitarian principle rather than a negative principle centered on the removal of unjust social relations. This can be achieved through the establishment of a positive principle of relational equality. Moreover, to realize relational equality, it is crucial to present distribution principles that differentiate from traditional distributive equality principles and establish an equality principle that aims for equality itself rather than equality as a premise of liberalism. By doing so, the principle of equality in relational egalitarianism can be effectively and appropriately applied to address contemporary issues of inequality.