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Considers the alleged incompatibility between individual autonomy and the achievement and subsequent maintenance of an egalitarian society. Argues that it is only where an egalitarian society is in place that a like autonomy can be exercised by each citizen. Discusses the 3 main grounds that have been advanced to show there is such an incompatibility. (Abstract amended)

In this article I consider the alleged incompatibility between individual autonomy and the achievement and subsequent maintenance of an egalitarian society. I argue that not only is there no incompatibility, but that it is only where an egalitarian society is in place that a like autonomy can be exercised by each citizen. To make out my case I discuss the three main grounds that have been advanced to show there is such an incompatibility. Opponents of egalitarianism contend that egalitarian goals can only be achieved with losses in autonomy; in particular, losses through infringements on the civil liberties of individual citizens, losses in the scope individuals have to exercise and exploit their own talents and losses in control over the income and wealth to which individuals are entitled as a result of the exercise of their talents. The first of these contentions is dealt with quite briefly but the second and third go to the heart of the matter and accordingly are given fuller discussion. None of the three can be convincingly made out because it is precisely where there are significant inequalities in income and wealth that significant differences exist in the scope individuals have to fulfil their life-plans and thus to exercise their individual autonomy.

The politics of illusions : introduction -- The inconsistency of aims -- The denial of responsibility -- The corruption of justice -- The groundlessness of egalitarianism -- The myth of equality -- The tyranny of do-gooders -- The menace of moralism -- The ideology of freedom -- The burden of double-mindedness -- The rhetoric of toleration -- The politics of fairy tales -- The illusions of egalitarianism vs. the realities of politics : conclusion

Analysis of secondary data from surveys of the 1970s contradicts propositions that egalitarianism was or is accepted by the great majority of Yugoslavians. Nonegalitarian values are shown to exist in the Yugoslavian population; in fact, nonegalitarianist thought prevails in higher social strata. Ideological implications of this finding are discussed, & the functions of egalitarianism in Yugoslav society are explored. It is determined that the "egalitarian syndrome" helps integrate & stabilize the society, but also contributes to long term economic stagnation, which undermines societal integration & paves the way for actualizing inert social tensions & conflicts. Short-term responses to these tendencies are discussed, & it is determined that only through radical changes in how political power is legitimated can long-term regulation for these inherent contradictions be provided. 31 References. D. Dennis