Human Rights and the Age of Inequality

Human Rights and the Age of Inequality by Samuel Moyn

Summary for Class 12 NEB Students

Samuel Moyn is an American legal scholar and historian whose work focuses on human rights, law, and global justice. In his essay Human Rights and the Age of Inequality, Moyn examines how the modern human rights framework — despite its global recognition — is inadequate for addressing deep‑rooted economic inequality in the world. He argues that although human rights emphasize basic freedoms and dignity, they do not offer solutions powerful enough to reduce the growing gap between the rich and the poor. The essay invites readers to think critically about the limitations of human rights when it comes to creating a truly just and equitable society.

The essay begins with a story about Croesus, the wealthy last king of Lydia, whose riches did not translate into genuine well‑being for his people because he refused to share his wealth, highlighting a timeless failure to address inequality. Moyn uses this parable to link ancient and modern worlds, showing how wealth and power do not automatically ensure fairness or happiness for all. He notes that although December 10 is celebrated as Human Rights Day, this symbolic recognition has not resolved the economic disparities that persist globally. The essay suggests that important historical initiatives, such as the post‑World War II welfare states and Franklin Roosevelt’s call for a “Second Bill of Rights,” failed to achieve true egalitarianism because they did not sufficiently address the distribution of wealth and resources.

Moyn argues that the human rights movement, while essential, cannot replace the need for economic justice; instead, it should be complemented by reforms that promote equitable distribution and social welfare. He emphasizes that unless systemic changes are made to redistribute resources fairly between rich and poor, basic freedoms will remain unevenly experienced across the globe. The essay concludes with a call for renewed efforts — including broader legal, political, and social movements — to confront inequality in meaningful ways, recognizing that human rights alone are not enough to ensure true justice for all.

Main Ideas / Key Points

• Mismatch Between Human Rights and Inequality – Human rights promote equality but are insufficient for addressing economic inequality.

• Croesus Story – Used to illustrate how wealth does not guarantee equitable well‑being or justice.

• Human Rights Day vs. Reality – Celebratory recognition does not eliminate inequality in real life.

• Historical Limits – Welfare state efforts and rights declarations have not achieved distributive justice.

• Need for Systemic Reform – True justice requires economic redistribution in addition to human rights. 

Glossary

• human rights (n.): basic freedoms and entitlements that all people deserve by virtue of being human.

• inequality (n.): the unfair difference in wealth, opportunities, and status between people. 

• egalitarianism (n.): the belief in equal rights and opportunities for all.

• distribute (v.): to share or give out resources among people.

• economic justice (n.): fairness in how wealth and resources are shared in society.

• welfare state (n.): a government system that provides social services and security for its citizens.

• egalitarian (adj.): related to the principle of equal rights for everyone.

• redistribution (n.): the process of reallocating wealth to reduce inequality. 

• systemic (adj.): relating to an entire system rather than individual parts.

• justice (n.): fairness and the protection of rights in society.

Understanding the Text

a. What is the first human rights declaration adopted by the United Nations?

Answer:
The first human rights declaration adopted by the United Nations is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.

b. When is Human Rights Day observed?

Answer:
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December.

c. What is the goal of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

Answer:
The goal of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is to outline the fundamental rights and freedoms that every human being deserves simply by being human. These include dignity, equality, justice, and freedom. Its broader aim is to establish the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace throughout the world.

d. What are the two big stages that involve writing the history of human rights in relation to political economy?

Answer:
The two major stages are:

1. The post–Second World War period, marked by the heroic era of national welfare states.

2. The Cold War period beginning in 1948, when human rights were shaped by ideological rivalry between opposing political systems.

e. What facts were missed in Roosevelt’s call for a “Second Bill of Rights”?

Answer:
The following facts were overlooked in Roosevelt’s proposal for a “Second Bill of Rights”:

• It reflected America’s late and hesitant acceptance of an already established North Atlantic consensus.

• Roosevelt focused more on limiting excessive privileges for the few (a ceiling on inequality) rather than ensuring minimum protection for the majority.

• Although he envisioned global application, the proposal was designed on a national rather than an international scale.

f. Write the truth expressed in Herodotus’s Histories.

Answer:
Herodotus’s Histories suggest that achieving global socioeconomic justice, like local justice, requires redistribution of resources from the rich to the poor through legal and institutional pressure.

g. Why is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights important to you?

Answer:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is important because it promotes justice, equality, dignity, and fairness for all human beings. It seeks to eliminate discrimination, injustice, inequality, and exploitation, thereby ensuring equal rights and opportunities for everyone.

Reference to the Context

a. Does the essay give ways on how to stigmatize inequality? Explain.

Answer:
The essay does not directly prescribe specific methods to stigmatize inequality, but it strongly emphasizes the need to recognize inequality as a social disgrace. The essay explains that historical agents of change have often failed to act boldly enough to enforce redistribution. If inequality continues unchecked, social resistance will inevitably emerge. Therefore, maintaining fairness, justice, and equality through effective laws, supervision, and a renewed human rights movement is essential for social stability and harmony.

b. Is another human rights movement necessary? Why?

Answer:
Yes, another human rights movement is necessary. The essayist argues that human rights are currently constrained by political power and ineffective implementation. A new movement is required because:

• Those in power often violate laws.

• Economic and social inequality persists.

• Favoritism and nepotism remain widespread.

• Laws exist mostly on paper and are poorly enforced.

• True justice and equality are still denied to marginalized groups.

A renewed movement is essential to ensure equal rights and dignity for all, regardless of social or economic status.

Reference Beyond the Text

a. What are the challenges in maintaining human rights in Nepal?

Answer:
Human rights refer to the fundamental freedoms and entitlements that every individual possesses. In Nepal, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established under the Human Rights Commission Act of 1997 (2053 BS) and later became a constitutional body in 2007 (2063 BS).

Despite these efforts, Nepal faces several challenges in maintaining human rights, including:

• Widespread poverty, especially in rural areas

• Educational inequality

• Gender discrimination

• Inadequate healthcare services

• Violations of children’s rights

• Abuse of authority and misuse of power

• Corruption, bribery, nepotism, and illiteracy

• Weak implementation of laws and policies

• Prioritization of personal interests over public welfare

These challenges hinder the effective protection and promotion of human rights in the country.