The Anatomy of Inequality by Per Molander

Author:Per Molander [Molander, Per]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-61219-570-4
Publisher: Melville House
Published: 2016-08-29T16:00:00+00:00

7

LIBERALISM AND INEQUALITY

The common task liberal thinkers have set themselves is the shaping of a good constitution that will regulate the relationship between individuals—and between individuals and the state.

Liberalism, conservatism, and socialism, the three major Western ideological currents, of course represent completely different attitudes to the question of inequality. Certain thinkers, particularly those on the right, have tried to strike equality from the political agenda, but most have taken it seriously. In this and the following chapters, we will take a closer look at how the classical ideologies have related to inequality as a problem. Before we continue, let us summarize the main points of our analyses of the origin of inequality so far:

• The fundamental symmetrical equilibrium in the elementary bargaining game is unstable. In other words, even if we begin with an equal starting point, there will be small disruptions in this balance that will intensify and soon lead to unequal distribution. There is no other equilibrium. Inequality is only limited by the external restrictions of the game—either the stronger player wants to keep the weaker alive and reasonably productive, or the weaker player can leave the game or find other options.

• Chance determines who, in practice, gets the upper hand in a situation where effort and talent are identical.

• Traditions and inheritance laws reinforce inequality, but they do not for that reason legitimate it.

• Feedback from actual social and economic outcomes makes it possible to stabilize a society at a reasonable level of equality. Feedback is crucial in addressing the inherent instability of the bargaining dynamic. Even with feedback, inequality cannot be eliminated completely.

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