Equality. From Hunter-Gatherers to Totalitarian Regimes

In a chronological narrative of 11 chapters, historian Darrin McMahon shows how the concept of equality has evolved in different societies – from hunter-gatherers to totalitarian regimes.
McMahon reveals the fundamental duality of the idea of equality: it is closely linked to hierarchy and social exclusion. In Greek city-states, women, slaves, and non-citizens remained outside the society of equals; monotheistic religions proclaimed the community of God's children but expelled from their family those who rejected the faith; French revolutionaries, inspired by Enlightenment ideas, believed that equality is a natural right, but this idea led to the emergence of racial theories. Even the totalitarian regimes of the 20th century operated with their own languages of equality.

For a long time, the idea of a new – liberal – equality seemed inevitable within the framework of the "end of history". 

However, we continue to live in a world where it is still difficult to imagine equality, let alone implement it.