Equality of autonomy is a
political philosophy
Political philosophy studies the theoretical and conceptual foundations of politics. It examines the nature, scope, and Political legitimacy, legitimacy of political institutions, such as State (polity), states. This field investigates different ...
concept of
Amartya Sen
Amartya Kumar Sen (; born 3 November 1933) is an Indian economist and philosopher. Sen has taught and worked in England and the United States since 1972. In 1998, Sen received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his contributions ...
that argues "that the ability and means to choose our life course should be spread as equally as possible across society"—i.e., an equal chance at
autonomy
In developmental psychology and moral, political, and bioethical philosophy, autonomy is the capacity to make an informed, uncoerced decision. Autonomous organizations or institutions are independent or self-governing. Autonomy can also be ...
or
empowerment
Empowerment is the degree of autonomy and self-determination in people and in communities. This enables them to represent their interests in a responsible and self-determined way, acting on their own authority. It is the process of becoming strong ...
.
Equality of autonomy strives to spread empowerment widely so that "given their circumstances", people have more "choice and control".
The concept has a slightly different emphasis from related notions, such as the value of
equality in the workplace ("
equal opportunity
Equal opportunity is a state of fairness in which individuals are treated similarly, unhampered by artificial barriers, prejudices, or preferences, except when particular distinctions can be explicitly justified. For example, the intent of equal ...
") or equal material wealth ("
equality of outcome
Equality of outcome, equality of condition, or equality of results is a political concept which is central to some political ideologies and is used in some political discourse, often in contrast to the term equality of opportunity. It describes ...
").
According to
Todd May, Sen's approach requires "
active intervention of institutions like the state into people's lives" but with an aim towards "fostering of people's self-creation rather than their living conditions".
Sen argued that "the ability to convert incomes into opportunities is affected by a multiplicity of individual and social differences that mean some people will need more than others to achieve the same range of
capabilities".
See also
*
Capability approach
* ''
Development as Freedom
''Development as Freedom'' is a 1999 book about international development by Indian economist and philosopher Amartya Sen.
The American edition of the book was published by Alfred A. Knopf.
Summary
Amartya Sen was the winner of the 1998 Nobel ...
''
*
Egalitarianism
Egalitarianism (; also equalitarianism) is a school of thought within political philosophy that builds on the concept of social equality, prioritizing it for all people. Egalitarian doctrines are generally characterized by the idea that all hum ...
*
Equality of opportunity
Equal opportunity is a state of fairness in which individuals are treated similarly, unhampered by artificial barriers, prejudices, or preferences, except when particular distinctions can be explicitly justified. For example, the intent of equa ...
*
Equality of outcome
Equality of outcome, equality of condition, or equality of results is a political concept which is central to some political ideologies and is used in some political discourse, often in contrast to the term equality of opportunity. It describes ...
*
Inequity aversion
Inequity aversion (IA) is the preference for fairness and resistance to incidental inequalities. The social sciences that study inequity aversion include sociology, economics, psychology, anthropology, and ethology. Researchers on inequity aversi ...
References
Affirmative action
Amartya Sen
Social inequality
Egalitarianism
Feminist economics
Autonomy
Concepts in political philosophy
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