Rousseau's Theory Of Inequality

Rousseau, on the other hand, theorized that there were two types of inequality: natural and moral (1:1). Natural inequality is one which can easily be defined by age, health, strength, and the like (1:1). Moral, or political inequality, however, originates from society through the consent of man, and creates privilege or oppression of man based on possessions, money, honor and power; this idea is consistent with Smith’s observation of inequality (8/31). Before man was civilized he was in a primitive state and he was, according to Rousseau, the least social, the happiest, and the freest (8/31). Rousseau proclaimed that the natural man “wandered up and down the forests, without industry, without speech, and without home” (1:25). The natural man was dependent only on himself and provided himself with what he needed. He was …show more content…
The implementation of rules and government was created and enforced on their behalf (2:12). Those who were oppressed were offered liberty in exchange for the protection of the privileged (2:12-13). Rousseau and Smith both point towards private property, be it possessions, land, or riches, as the main component of capitalism, but Rousseau disagrees with Smith about this being natural and Rousseau believes that the development of governing law was the demise of true liberty (9/2). Rousseau theorized that the social contract between the governor and the governed can be written in ways that fit the needs of everyone, rather than just for those with power (9/2). Smith argues that everyone benefits from capitalism and it creates an opportunity for all with its checks and balances. Rousseau disagrees with this as he believes that government in capitalistic societies protects only the powerful