Horizontal Egalitarianism

This chapter examines Marxism and socialism as a paradigm of “horizontal” egalitarianism. Whereas liberals typically endorse a regime of political equality (a Rechtstaat ), the chapter shows how, from a Marxist perspective, the end that socialism serves and capitalism impedes is social—not merely political—equality. On this view, the real site of equality is on the ground, in civil society, and in everyday social relationships. The egalitarian vision at the heart of Marx’s thought consists in a community of free and equal social citizens. It is a vision for which egalitarian social relationships grounded in a cooperative and productive ethos are paramount.

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