Housing, equality and neutrality

This essay begins with the premise that equality is the basic underpinning principle for welfare provision, including social housing. The connection between social rented housing and equality is demonstrated. However, the notion of equality is shown to be a problematic one. The essay discusses a number of arguments against equality and goes on to suggest that proportional equality, which includes both inputs and outputs, is a more just measure than that of redistribution. The essay offers arguments against social justice, before going on to suggest that the notion of state neutrality is a key principle consistent with an individualistic concept of justice. The essay concludes by briefly outlining three principles for the achievement of greater equality.