Rousseau and Marx: Property and Inequality

Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Karl Marx share the same concept that property is the underlying cause of inequality. Rousseau, who lived in the 18th century, has strongly endorsed the idea that property has led to inequality due to its unequal distribution. Likewise, Marx who lived in the 19th century believed that the property would bring inequality, as it caused a class conflict between the upper class bourgeoisie and the working class proletariat.

Rousseau and John Rock believe that inequality is caused by ownership of property: "Without property there is no harm" (Rousseau 351). In Rousseau's view, possession of property creates unequal wealth and power, enabling the exploitation of people with little property, goods, money, ability. The notion of this inequality and the weakness of property ownership was one of the major dissatisfactions caused by the masses during the French Revolution. But Rousseau's conclusion is that if the poor people are no longer miserable, rich and mighty people will not be happy. People have not changed their state, they will no longer be happy when people are no longer miserable "(361)

JJ J. Rousseau is a radical enlightening thinker. His work: The explanation of inequality and social contract represents the wish of a minor aristocrat that he represents. Rousseau thinks that private property is the root cause of inequality and evil in society. Therefore, it should be limited. He also asks all citizens to participate in political life. The state must be organized to secure the sovereignty of the people. There is a clear difference between public life and private life. State authorities and administrative organizations are considered to be in the form of public power. Social rules and order, gardens and markets are also considered to be open. Therefore, common language begins with the concept of public meetings and public service.