Complex equality - some notes on redistribution in South Africa

Abstract

In this article I attempt to show that a theory o f redistribution can be derived from Walzer's political theory as presented in his Spheres o f justice. I argue that this theory shows in what areas o f South Africa’s public life redistribution is required, and what patterns of redistribution should be followed Walzer’s political theory leans heavily on the notion of shared understandings. In South Africa there are many areas of public life in which interpretations of these understandings are in conflict. I attempt to identify these areas and to show what premisses underlie the conflicting interpretations.