Examining the Disconnect between Ideal Theory and Policy Implementation in Addressing Inequality

• In Event: 209 - Theory Section Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 12. Political Sociology

Abstract

Why have proposed models for societal equality rarely been implemented? While these models are often presented for the sake of conceptual consideration rather than real-world application a chasm remains between theorized visions of equality to one side, political policies implemented for purposes of creating more equality on the other. This paper explores the sources of this disconnect by examining the liberal egalitarian theorists, John Rawls and Ronald Dworkin, focusing on their theoretical proposals and their application (or lack thereof) in the United States, given the theorists’ American context. This paper offers a general overview of both theorists’ proposed models of societal equality. These models are then scrutinized in terms of their failure to be adopted at any level of society. Is this lack of adoption possibly the result of the way in which each thinker derived their respective equality principles, the equality principles themselves, or because the social context is simply hostile to the adoption of these principles? The paper concludes with a brief discussion of where ideal theory and practice might be compatible and how recognizing these sites of plausible application might be relevant for those who wish to pursue social reform.

Author

• Erica J. Dollhopf, Pennsylvania State University