Theories of Distributive Justice

In the earlier posts, we talked about distributive justice, globalization and rule of law. In the present post, we shall discuss the various theories relating to Distributive Justice. These theories will give us an idea to how distributive justice is being conceptualized and perceived by various group of scholars.

Theories of Distributive Justice

1. Feudal Aristocracy Theory – This theory says that every society is hierarchical. No society is equal. On their capacities, on their talents, the societies are based on hierarchy. Distribution should be based on hierarchy which is based on birth.

There are capitalists and big corporations in the society. The person at the higher level should have more opportunities than the lower level people because they are less talented. Top must get the most and lower must get the least.

2. Theory of Libertarianism – This theory says that don’t try to distribute the wealth and opportunities, leave the field open, any person who has the capability may be allowed to grab as much as he can according to his abilities and talents. The society should not decide who should get what and how much. Field should be open for everyone. Anybody who has the talent may be allowed in this respect. Let the virtuous prevail. The person who is more fit should reach to the top.

3. Theory of Meritocracy – This theory states that you give equal opportunity to all but the important thing is that mere opening the gate for everybody to pass is not sufficient. This is not equal opportunity. There should be equality of capacity also meaning thereby that the government must give scholarships to the people who cannot avail the opportunities on an equal basis.

Some say that equality could be brought by reservation, some say by empowerment. The difference between reservation and empowerment could be explained to certain extent by the following example. E.g. some people believe that a person is hungry and he should be given a fish to eat whereas other people believe that if a person is hungry then such person should be given a fishing rod to catch a fish.

4. Theory of Egalitarianism – This theory says that the differences between people should be taken care of. Then the wealth of the nation and opportunities should be distributed. There is always a difference of opinion. Some say that the opportunities and wealth should be distributed according to person’s contribution to the society. That is why a professor should get more than a clerk or a peon because of his contribution.

Another theory is that the distribution should be basis on the wealth generation by him for the society. More the wealth generation, more the pay. A cricketer is paid more than a professor because he generates lot of wealth for the society.

In relation to distributive justice, much depends on the socio-economic factors. But one thing is clear that everybody accepts and that one thing is first, you have to make people’s capacity equal and give them the opportunity. Anybody who excels must get more. You cannot have a competition between a son of a capitalist and a son of a labourer. The son of labourers did not have equal opportunities. Nobody has been able to find one single criteria on the basis of which the wealth and opportunities should be distributed. It is this distribution which is the goal of social justice.