The Conception of Inequality in Rousseau's Thought: Implications for Contemporary Social Relations

Abstract

The problem of inequality has come to stay with humanity. This study aims to explore the contemporary implications inequality has placed on human social relations in society from Rousseau's perspective. Part of the objective of this essay is to show that modernity, civilization, and political advancements in human society are built on inequality. Thus, the study argued that nature itself has made humans unequal since individuals are endowed differently, but then humans should devise means of ameliorating the divisions caused by inequality through the institutions of law and making opportunities equally accessible to all. This will, in turn, reorganize the menace of inequality in our social relations. Rousseau's idea of Inequality is discussed in context using Nigeria's experience. This study is anchored on expository analysis, which offers the opportunity to expose the menace inequality has caused in our society in the light of Rousseau's postulation and how those challenges can be ameliorated.