The Problem of Economic Inequality

Abstract

Tracy saw economic inequality as a problem to be understood and tackled, not simply as an eternal fact of life. He recognised that there were different levels of inequality, some more readily overcome than others. What types of inequality were least acceptable to him? As a political liberal, Tracy was particularly troubled by social conditions which prevented men from exercising their natural rights to life, liberty and property. Slavery or bondage was the worst form of inequality; it was incompatible with “civilised” society, in Tracy’s view. The second type of inequality which he attacked was inequality of instruction, skills or knowledge. While it was obvious that everyone had different talents and instructional needs, it was necessary for all men and women to receive a basic instruction to equip them for citizenship and their occupation. Ignorance was the servant of repressive élites.