CHAPTER 3- EQUALITY

EQUALITY:

1. Equality refers to avail equal opportunities to one and all without any discrimination on any
ground and everybody is equal before law. In simple words, the term ‘equality’ means that all
men are equal and also be entitled to equal opportunity and treatment.
2. It simply implies a levelling process in which chances are given to all for development of their
potential. It also means that special preference of all kinds should be abolished and no
discrimination should be made on grounds of birth, wealth, sex, caste, creed or colour.
3. Some political thinkers argue that all should be equally educated, equally wealthy and holding
equal status in the society. But this is a wrong concept of equality. All persons cannot be equal
in all the fields. This is negative form of equality. Even God did not create all men equal. By
nature some are wise and some are dull, some are weak and some are strong etc.
4. Article 14 of the Constitution of India guarantees equality, to all the citizens before law and
equal protection. Equality refers to be eligible to enjoy various opportunities provided by the
state.

THREE DIMENSIONS OF EQUALITY

1.POLITICAL EQUALITY: The political equality means that all the citizens of a country should have some
political right without any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, colour, sex or gender. It means
Universal adult franchise and right to contest election.

Everyone should have equal access to all the offices of authority. It also implies the right to form
political parties and associations. These rights are necessary in a democratic society.

2. SOCIAL EQUALITY: It means that all are equally eligible to enjoy various opportunities in society. It
also implies the absence of other privileges. Social equality is a difficult idea to attain. It cannot be
enforced entirely by law.

For example: Untouchability still exists in some parts of the country in spite of legal prohibition.
The state has a significant role in such matters. It should make policies to prevent discrimination or
harassment of women in public places and implement the incentives to open up education or certain
profession to women and other such measures.

3. ECONOMIC EQUALITY: Economic equality means that wealth should be enjoyed equally by all. It also
implies abolition of poverty and primary needs of an individual should be fulfilled. Political equality is
said to be meaningless unless it is accompanied by economic equality.

In the Communist countries emphasis has been given on the economic equality. In modern
democracy emphasis is also given on reasonable economic equality among the citizens.

MEASURES TO REMOVE ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES:

1.To promote minimum economic inequalities.

2. To provide right to basic minimum necessities to all: Economic equality is essential so that basic
minimum necessities like food, clothing and shelter of all communities are satisfied. Economic equality is
the foundation stone of political and social equality as a poor person would be least interested in the
process of governance and his social status would lead him to be exploited in society. The state should
ensure work, insurance, old age pension, health and disability benefits for all.

3. Equal pay for equal work: All people should get equal pay for the same nature of work. There should
be no discrimination based on caste , colour, sex etc.

NATURAL INEQUALITIES, SOCIAL INEQUALITIES AND ECONOMIC INEQUALITIES:

1.Natural inequalities: a) These inequalities emerge due to differences in personal traits either physical
or mental or emotional.

b) These inequalities are the result of different characteristic and abilities of inborn
qualities of a man.
c) These natural differences cannot be changed also.
2. Social inequalities: a) Socially produced inequalities are emerged as a result of unequal
opportunities ie., family background, educational factors etc.
b) Social differences reflect the values of society, which may appear to be unjust.
3. Economic inequalities:
a) Economic inequality exists if there are differences in wealth, property or income between
different sections of society.
b) It enhances the gap between the upper, middle, poor and rich and person living below poverty
line.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS:

Q.1 How can equality be promoted?

Ans: Equality can be promoted by three ways:

1. Establishing formal equality: The first step to establish equality is to have formal system ending
equality and privileges. Socio-economic inequalities need to be curbed all over the world. Poor
should get opportunities to enjoy existing situation. The Indian Constitution prohibits
discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, colour, place of birth etc. Likewise, untouchability
has been abolished.
2. Equality through different treatments: Along with formal equality it is necessary to treat the
people differently in order to ensure that people enjoy equal rights. Thus, disabled people need
special protection or women working in Call Centres may need special protection. Special
measures for weak should not be seen as infringement on equality.
3. Affirmative (positive) action: This is based on the idea that it is not sufficient to establish formal
equality by law. Positive measures are essential to eliminate entrenched form of inequality.
Affirmative action may include preferential treatment for disadvantaged communities like
scholarship.
Therefore, in the interest of creating an egalitarian society for poor need special
protection. At times, special benefits like reservation have been debated as they divide the
society. Thus, special treatment may be considered to realise the objective of equality but it
should be reasonable.