Inequality

Definition

Inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society. In the context of political thought, particularly Aristotle's views on citizenship and political participation, inequality raises questions about who is entitled to participate in governance and how societal structures can create disparities in power and influence among different groups.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aristotle believed that only freeborn males who had completed their education were full citizens entitled to political participation, thus establishing a foundation for social inequality.
2. In Aristotle's view, the ideal state was one where citizens were active participants in governance, but this was limited by social hierarchies and economic status.
3. Aristotle recognized different types of governance (monarchy, aristocracy, and polity), which all had their own ways of addressing or perpetuating inequality within the society.
4. The concept of equality before the law was not fully embraced by Aristotle; he argued that people should be treated differently based on their contributions and capabilities.
5. Inequality was viewed as a natural part of society by Aristotle, who argued that some individuals were inherently suited for leadership while others were meant to follow.

Review Questions

• How does Aristotle's definition of citizenship relate to his views on inequality in political participation?
  • Aristotle's definition of citizenship is closely tied to his views on inequality because he limited citizenship to a specific group: freeborn males who had received education. This exclusion established a hierarchical structure within the polis, leading to significant inequalities regarding who could participate in governance. As a result, many individuals, including women, slaves, and non-citizens, were marginalized, which highlighted how citizenship itself was a reflection of social inequalities.
• Evaluate how Aristotle's understanding of the 'polis' influences his perspective on social inequality.
  • Aristotle viewed the 'polis' as essential for human flourishing and moral development, which inherently connected to social inequality. He believed that political participation was vital for achieving virtue, but access was restricted to certain privileged groups. This perspective emphasizes how social structures within the polis could either foster or hinder equality among citizens, thereby influencing governance and civic responsibility across different classes.
• Analyze the implications of Aristotle's acceptance of natural inequality for contemporary political systems and their approach to citizenship.
  • Aristotle's acceptance of natural inequality poses significant implications for contemporary political systems, particularly regarding inclusivity and representation. His belief that some individuals are inherently more suited for leadership reflects a perspective that can justify ongoing inequalities in modern governance. This raises critical questions about how current systems can address issues of inequality in citizenship rights and participation while challenging the notion that capability should dictate who has a voice in political matters.

Related terms

Citizenship: The status of being a member of a state or nation, which often comes with certain rights and responsibilities, particularly in terms of participation in political processes.

Polis: A city-state in ancient Greece that functioned as an independent political entity; Aristotle believed that the polis was essential for realizing human potential and fostering virtue.

Oligarchy:

A form of government in which power is concentrated in the hands of a small group of people, often leading to increased inequality and marginalization of the larger population.