Difference principle
Topic: Equality and Social Justice · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 4 "Social Justice"
Meaning
The difference principle comes from John Rawls' book A Theory of Justice (1971). It says social and economic inequalities are just only if they bring the greatest benefit to the least advantaged, meaning the worst-off people in society. This rule is also called maximin, short for making the minimum as good as possible. Rawls says people would choose it behind a "veil of ignorance", where no one knows their own caste, class, family or talents. They would choose it out of rational self-interest, not out of morality or kindness. It is part of his second principle, together with fair equality of opportunity. His first principle, equal basic liberties for all, comes first.
Example
Progressive tax, reservation and targeted welfare schemes in India echo this idea. A higher tax on the rich is fair if it pays for schools and health care for the poorest.
Don't confuse with
- Utilitarianism: this aims for the greatest total good. Rawls' principle protects the worst-off first.
Related concepts
- Distributive justice
- Redistribution of resources
- Rawls' theory of justice
- Veil of ignorance
- Entitlement theory of justice