Egalitarianism

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A belief system that emphasizes equal rights and opportunities for everyone while seeking to eliminate social inequalities and promoting fair resource distribution
  2. A philosophy advocating for the principle that all individuals deserve equal treatment and access to resources with the aim of reducing social disparities
  3. A social-political theory that champions the idea that all people should have equal rights, access to opportunities, and a fair share of resources to address inequalities

Etymology: The concept behind this term traces back to the French word "égal," meaning "equal," which itself comes from the Latin "aequalis." The suffix "-itarian" is a later English formation used to denote a person who advocates for a principle or system. The full form emerged in English in the 19th century, during a time when political and social movements increasingly emphasized equality among people. The idea of promoting equal rights and opportunities regardless of class, race, or gender was gaining momentum, especially in the context of democratic developments and social reform. The noun form crystallized to describe the belief in or advocacy for such equality. It aligned with broader Enlightenment ideals that challenged traditional hierarchies and privileges. This word combines the base "egal-" referring to equality with "-itarianism," a suffix that turns it into a doctrine or system of belief. The suffix "-ism" indicates a distinctive practice or ideology, while "-itarian" points to a person or agent related to that practice. Together, they form a term that captures the spirit of social and political equality as a guiding principle. Though the roots are quite old, the term itself became prominent in political discourse during the 19th century, reflecting the era’s struggles over suffrage, labor rights, and abolitionism. It remains closely tied to discussions around justice and fairness in society.

Synonyms: equality, fairness, justice, impartiality, equity

Antonyms: inequality, discrimination, elitism, bias, partisanship