Difference Principle in Rawls' theory of Justice

John Rawls' difference Principle 

John Rawls's difference principle is a subordinate to his Liberty principle. The lexical order of his principles of justice ensures liberties not sacrificed for economic gains.

His difference principle works in tandem with fair equality of opportunity to create a framework in which everyone has a chance to succeed and the worst-off are protected from excessive hardship.

Difference principle reflects the Rawls's belief that while perfect equality may not be achievable, disparities are acceptable if they incentivize productive activities that benefit everyone, including the poorest members of the society. It embodies equality based reciprocity i.e., inequalities are good for the worst off. However, the difference principle does not allow the rich to get richer at the expense of poor.

Difference principle allows inequalities of wealth and income, so long these will be to everyone's advantage specifically to the advantage of those who will be worst off.

Rawls justified his Difference principle through a thought experiment of Original Position and the Veil of Ignorance. Those who are better off must contribute to the good of those less well endowed.

Rawls says, "In Justice, men agree to share one another's fate". In a society that satisfies the difference principle, citizens know that their economy works for everyone's benefit. Difference principle thus expresses the idea of social unity.

However, redistribution theories fails to incentivize high income holders as they are taxed more for the sake of least advantaged in the society. Libertarian critics, such as Robert Nozick, argue that Rawls's focus on redistribution infringes on individual rights.

Difference principle remains a powerful tool for thinking about how to structure just societies in a way that ensures fairness while accommodating reasonable inequalities.

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