Egalitarian: meaning, definitions and examples
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egalitarian
[ɪˌɡæl.ɪˈteə.ri.ən ]
Definitions
society
Believing in or based on the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.
Synonyms
democratic, equalitarian, fair, just.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| egalitarian |
This word is best used when referring to a belief or society where all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.
|
| equalitarian |
This word is interchangeable with 'egalitarian' and can be used in similar contexts where equal rights and opportunities are emphasized.
|
| democratic |
This word is suitable when describing a system of government or an organization where decisions are made by voting and all members have an equal say.
|
| fair |
This word is appropriate when referring to situations or systems that are free from bias, dishonesty, or injustice. It is often used in day-to-day scenarios.
|
| just |
This word is best utilized in contexts that deal with moral rightness or fairness, often in legal or ethical discussions.
|
Examples of usage
- An egalitarian society strives for equality among all its citizens.
- She has an egalitarian approach to leadership, valuing input from everyone equally.
politics
A person who advocates or supports egalitarian principles.
Examples of usage
- He is known as an egalitarian, always fighting for equal rights for all.
- Egalitarians believe in the redistribution of wealth to achieve equality.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term comes from the French word 'égal', which means equal, first used in the 18th century.
- During the French Revolution, the concept of equality became a rallying cry for those fighting against the monarchy.
- Many early philosophers, like Rousseau, argued for a society where everyone had the same rights, influencing modern democratic ideals.
Political Philosophy
- Egalitarianism encompasses various beliefs about equality, including social, economic, and political aspects.
- It often contrasts with theories of meritocracy, where individuals are rewarded based on ability and effort, rather than equality.
- In modern politics, egalitarian principles shape policies about healthcare, education, and wealth distribution.
Social Movements
- The civil rights movement aimed at achieving egalitarian principles by fighting against racial discrimination in the United States.
- Feminist movements advocate for gender equality, highlighting that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men.
- LGBTQ+ rights campaigns also seek to establish an egalitarian society by fighting for acceptance and equal treatment of all sexual orientations.
Cultural References
- Books like 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell explore themes of equality and how it can be distorted in society.
- Many songs and artworks celebrate egalitarian ideals, emphasizing love, unity, and equal rights.
- In pop culture, television shows often depict characters from diverse backgrounds advocating for equality, promoting the message of respect among all individuals.
Psychological Aspects
- Studies have shown that societies emphasizing egalitarian values tend to report higher levels of well-being among citizens.
- Psychologically, living in an egalitarian society can promote empathy and reduce feelings of resentment and envy.
- Social identity theory suggests that diverse groups promoting equality can lead to stronger community bonds and better collective outcomes.
Translations
Translations of the word "egalitarian" in other languages:
🇵🇹 igualitário
🇮🇳 समानतावादी
🇩🇪 egalitär
🇮🇩 egaliter
🇺🇦 егалітарний
🇵🇱 egalitarny
🇯🇵 平等主義
🇫🇷 égalitaire
🇪🇸 igualitario
🇹🇷 eşitlikçi
🇰🇷 평등주의자
🇸🇦 مساواتي
🇨🇿 egalitářský
🇸🇰 egalitárny
🇨🇳 平等主义者
🇸🇮 egalitaren
🇮🇸 jöfnuður
🇰🇿 теңдікшіл
🇬🇪 ეგალიტარისტი
🇦🇿 bərabərhüquqlu
🇲🇽 igualitario