How do we know when American society has achieved Jefferson’s goal of equality? Consider gender or racial or ethnic social inequality.
A fundamental ideal of American society is the concept of equality. In our nation this ideal is based upon Jefferson’s phrase, “all men are created equal” (Jefferson, 1776). All societies have struggled with racial, ethnic and gender equality. High levels of pluralism in the United States have caused us a unique struggle. Despite the challenges we have chosen to continue the struggle. Our political institutions have created a vast number of laws and institutions to help us work towards the ideal of equality. Numerous amendments to the U.S. Constitution address equality issues. The conundrum of pursuing the ideal of equality in society is defining what such a society would look like. How do we know when we have achieved the goal?
