Final answer:
Hagel's argument suggests that inequality is part of an evolving historical process that will ultimately lead to a more equal distribution of wealth and power, which is a view shared by Karl Marx and further discussed by other social thinkers and movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hagel argued that notions of inequality are constantly evolving in a larger historical arc and will eventually lead to a society where wealth and authority become more evenly dispersed among the population. This concept aligns with the views of sociologist and philosopher Karl Marx, who saw historical patterns where revolutions lead to more egalitarian societies. According to Marx, such conflicts result in the overthrow of elite power structures, leading to an advancement in the social order and gains in personal freedom and economic stability. Meanwhile, thinkers like bell hooks and Aristotle-inspired James Fishkin suggest that addressing inequality requires social action, grassroots movements, and expanded democratic engagement. Furthermore, the conflict theory underscores that inequality persists as wealth is concentrated in the hands of those who may not deserve it, reflecting a sense of inequity similar to historical instances like pre-revolutionary France or contemporary movements like Occupy Wall Street.