Which distributive theory aims to favor the historically disadvantaged?

• A. LIBERTARIAN
• B. UTILITARIAN
• C. EGALITARIAN
• D. RESTORATIVE

Answer: (D)

Restorative theory centers on repairing past harms and giving priority to those who were historically disadvantaged. It aims to correct injustices by restoring what was lost or imbalanced due to oppression, often through reparations, targeted investments, or policies designed to level the playing field for groups that bore the burdens of history. This approach explicitly seeks to address historical wrongs rather than just maximize overall welfare, equalize present opportunities, or protect individual liberties.

Libertarian thinking prioritizes individual rights and voluntary exchanges with minimal state intervention, so it does not purposefully favor groups based on historical disadvantage. Utilitarianism seeks to maximize total welfare, so any benefits to historically disadvantaged groups would occur only if it increases overall happiness, not as a targeted corrective. Egalitarianism emphasizes equality, but its focus is on equal distribution or equal opportunities more generally, not necessarily on remedying specific past injustices tied to particular groups.