Why does Rawls’s maximin criterion not call for redistribution that equalises everyone’s income?
Correct answerC. Such redistribution would remove the incentive to work hard, so society's total income would fall and the least well-off person would be worse off than under a system with some income inequality
Explanation
Rawls's difference principle permits inequality when it benefits the worst-off. Some reward for effort keeps total output high, which can leave the poorest better off than under strict equality.
Correct answerA. Benefits are reduced at such a high rate when recipients earn more income that there is little or no incentive to work once receiving benefits
Correct answerC. A situation in which those receiving state benefits may be almost no better off if they work more, because doing so reduces the benefit income they are entitled to and increases the tax they pay
Discussion