equality of condition

USAGE SUMMARY

'equality of condition' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which people have the same rights and opportunities. For example, "The government is working towards achieving greater equality of condition for all citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

While Americans are used to considering equal opportunity and equality of condition as separate issues, they may need to reconsider.

The New York Times

Philosophical discussions of what should be equalized if we care about equality of condition raise dust that has not yet settled in any sort of consensus.

SEP

Sen suggests that in so far as we should value equality of condition, what we should value is equal real freedom, and more specifically basic functioning capability equality.

SEP

These enemies comprise all manner of proposals that suppose that in so far as we should care about equality of condition across persons, what we should care about equalizing is some function of the utility or welfare or well-being or good that persons attain over the course of their lives.

SEP

Equality of condition is seen as undesirable, even un-American".

The New York Times

It stressed equality of condition and, with it, income redistribution and welfare.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

In addition to the equality of status condition, Allport adds that, to generate positive outcomes, contact must benefit from institutional support, must be sustained and must happen between people who have common goals.

Comparative Migration Studies

Equality of conditions, in which talent, education and hard work are rewarded by individual mobility, ceased to be an exclusively American illusion after 1989.

The Guardian - Books

In a democracy founded by wealthy slave-owners and settler colonialists, and hollowed out by plutocrats, many citizens turn out to have never enjoyed equality of conditions.

The Guardian - Books

After his famous journey to America in the 19th century, Alexis de Tocqueville returned home to France to report that "nothing struck me more forcibly than the general equality of conditions among people".

The New York Times

One of the first people to notice the disturbing complex of emotions we now see among self-seeking individuals around the world was Alexis de Tocqueville – who was already worried in the 1830s that the American promise of meritocracy, its uniformity of culture and manners, and "equality of conditions" would make for immoderate ambition, corrosive envy and chronic dissatisfaction.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing political ideologies, use "equality of condition" to clearly differentiate it from "equality of opportunity", highlighting the focus on equal outcomes versus equal chances.

Common error

Avoid using "equality of condition" when you actually mean "equality of opportunity". "Equality of condition" refers to equal outcomes, while "equality of opportunity" refers to everyone having the same chances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equality of condition" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It represents a concept related to social justice and political philosophy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "equality of condition" is a frequently used noun phrase that refers to a state of similar living standards and outcomes among individuals or groups. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, scientific, and philosophical discussions. It is essential to differentiate "equality of condition" from "equality of opportunity", focusing on outcomes versus chances. The phrase carries a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for objective reporting and academic analysis. Understanding its nuances is crucial for discussions about fairness, social justice, and political ideologies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

social parity

This term concisely denotes equality in social terms, simplifying the original phrase by omitting "condition".

egalitarian state of affairs

This phrase uses "state of affairs" to describe a general situation of equality, making the expression slightly more formal.

equality of outcome

This alternative focuses specifically on the results being equal, rather than the starting circumstances, which implies a different approach to achieving fairness.

harmonized socioeconomic status

This highlights the alignment of economic and social factors, indicating a more integrated view of equality.

equal social standing

This alternative emphasizes the parity of status and respect within a society, shifting from material conditions to social perception.

balanced access to resources

This stresses the equitable distribution of resources as a means to achieve a fairer society, focusing on a practical mechanism.

equitable life circumstances

This alternative focuses on fairness in the broader aspects of life, including opportunities and resources, which broadens the scope of the initial query.

uniform living standards

This emphasizes the consistency of quality of life, moving away from the broader concept of condition to focus on material well-being.

level playing field

This metaphorical alternative focuses on fair opportunities, rather than outcomes, suggesting an equal starting point.

standardized social welfare

This focuses on the role of social welfare programs in creating more equal circumstances, limiting the scope to governmental support.

FAQs

What is the difference between "equality of condition" and "equality of opportunity"?

"Equality of condition" refers to the idea that everyone should have similar living standards and outcomes, while "equality of opportunity" suggests everyone should have the same chances to succeed, regardless of their background.

How is "equality of condition" viewed in political discourse?

The concept of "equality of condition" is often debated in political contexts, with some advocating for policies that promote more equal outcomes, such as wealth redistribution and welfare programs, while others prioritize "equality of opportunity".

What are some criticisms of pursuing "equality of condition"?

Critics argue that pursuing "equality of condition" can lead to reduced individual freedoms, economic inefficiencies, and a lack of incentives for personal achievement. They often contrast it with the ideal of "equality of opportunity", which they see as more compatible with individual liberty.

In what contexts might "equality of condition" be a desired goal?

"Equality of condition" might be considered a desired goal in situations where basic human needs are not being met for a significant portion of the population, or where extreme disparities in wealth and resources lead to social unrest or injustice. It is often discussed alongside concepts like "social justice".