Since antiquity, through the French and American revolutions, and into its modern and contemporary configurations, democracy has promised political equality. Somewhere along the way, democracy came to be understood as a political system that could deliver equality beyond the political realm as well. Today, the belief persists that, at some level, democracy promotes social and economic equality more effectively and reliably than any other mode of governance. This belief persists despite an increasing share of wealth and property flowing to a small elite and tears in the social fabric visible in polarized populations and the rise of ethno-nationalism. Democracy and social and economic inequality are extremely compatible.
So, what is the relationship between democracy and equality? What does the pursuit of equality look like in a modern democracy? To what extent are economic and social equality necessary for democratic flourishing? To what extent are they worthwhile goals in the first place?
- Course coordinator: Olga Szabo