Egalitarianism Quote by Douglas Wilson
““Christian equality can be described as equity, or even-handedness. Egalitarianism, in contrast, demands sameness, or equality of outcome. These two visions of equality are about as comparable as dry and wet. Think of it in terms of ten teenage boys trying to dunk a basketball: equity means that they all face the same ten-foot standard, and only two them them can do it — equity thus usually means differences in outcome. Egalitarianism wants equality of outcome, and there is only one way to get that — lower the net. Sameness of outcome requires differences in the standards.””
About This Quote
Equity offers equal opportunity but different results; egalitarianism forces identical outcomes, often by lowering standards.
In simple terms: Equity = same chance, different results; egalitarianism = same result, same standards.
Key Takeaway
Choose fairness over forced sameness.
Themes
fairness
justice
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
policy
When to use this quote
- education
- employment
- law
- public policy
Key Concepts
social theory
ethics
policy design
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it better to give everyone the same start or the same finish?
- How do you balance opportunity with outcome?
A Different Perspective
Uniform outcomes can suppress excellence.
![“[W]e must first experience the kingdom if we are even to know what kind of freedom and what kind of equality we should desire. Christian freedom lies in service, Christian equality is equality before God, and neither can be achieved through the coercive efforts of liberal idealists who would…” quote by Stanley Hauerwas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e97/stanley-hauerwas-2675_christian_w-e-must-first-experience-the-kingdom-if_688819.jpg)
