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Egalitarianism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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egalitarianism

[ɪˌɡæl.ɪˈteə.ri.ən.ɪ.zəm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

society

Egalitarianism is the belief that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.

Synonyms

equality, fairness, justice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
egalitarianism

Used when discussing social, political, or economic systems that promote equal rights and opportunities for all people.

  • The new policy is rooted in the principles of egalitarianism
  • The community advocates for egalitarianism in education
equality

Appropriate for general discussion about the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.

  • The law aims to ensure equality for all citizens
  • Gender equality remains a significant issue in many workplaces
fairness

Used when emphasizing impartiality and justice without favoritism or discrimination, often in everyday situations.

  • Fairness in grading is crucial for academic integrity
  • The company prides itself on fairness in its hiring process
justice

Commonly used in legal or moral contexts, referring to the administration of the law and the principle of moral rightness.

  • The court's decision was a triumph of justice
  • Advocates demand justice for the victims of the crime

Examples of usage

  • Egalitarianism promotes the idea of a fair and just society.
  • Many countries strive to achieve egalitarianism through policies that promote equality.
  • In an egalitarian society, everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the French word 'égal,' meaning 'equal,' which gained popularity during the French Revolution in the late 18th century.
  • In the early 19th century, thinkers like John Stuart Mill championed ideas about equality and fairness in society.
  • The concept laid the groundwork for various social movements advocating for equal rights, including suffragism and civil rights.

Philosophy

  • Egalitarianism is often contrasted with utilitarianism, which focuses on promoting the greatest happiness for the majority.
  • Philosophers like John Rawls emphasized justice as fairness, proposing that societal structures should benefit the least advantaged.
  • Different forms of egalitarianism exist, including economic, political, and social aspects, addressing various inequalities in society.

Pop Culture

  • Movies such as 'The Hunger Games' highlight themes of inequality and struggle for equal rights, prompting discussions on societal structure.
  • Many music artists, like Bob Dylan and Beyoncé, address themes of social justice and equality in their lyrics, promoting egalitarian ideals.
  • The phrase 'power to the people' popularized in the 1960s echoes egalitarian sentiments, advocating for equal rights across communities.

Current Events

  • Egalitarianism plays a critical role in modern discussions about gender equality, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights worldwide.
  • Organizations like the UN promote egalitarian principles through initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and ensuring human rights for all.
  • Current debates about wealth distribution and universal basic income also align with egalitarian goals of providing equal opportunities.

Origin of 'egalitarianism'

The concept of egalitarianism dates back to ancient Greece and has been a central theme in various philosophical and political movements throughout history. It gained prominence during the Enlightenment era with the idea of equality and individual rights. Egalitarianism has influenced the development of modern democratic societies and continues to be a fundamental principle in the fight for social justice and equality.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,692, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.