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Equality class 11 political theory
Why does equality matter?
- All human beings deserve same consideration and respect because of their common humanity
- It invoke the idea that all human beings have an equal what regardless of the gender ,colour, race or nationality
- A PARADOX: Everyone talks about equality but there is inequality rather than equality which is visible in the world
What is equality?
Meaning of equality
It means all all people as human beings are entitled to same right and
opportunities to develop the skills and talent and pursue their goals and
ambition
- Treating people with equal respect does not mean always treating them in an identical way
- People can pursue different ambitions and goals and all may be not that successful to get an equal treatment
- The commitment to the idea of equality not necessarily means abolishing of all forms of differences
- It suggest that opportunity that everyone should enjoy without any discrimination either social or by birth
Equality of opportunity
- It employees that all human beings are entitle to the same rights and opportunities to develop their skills and talents and to pursue their goals and ambitions
- Everyone should have basic goods such as education healthcare housing
Natural and social inequality
- Natural inequalities are those that emerge between people as a result of the different capabilities and talent
- They are the result of different characteristics or abilities with which they are born
- Social inequality are on the other hand made by societal norms
- Social inequality is visible in the caste system as well as the gender discrimination that was prevalent for many years
Three dimensions of equality
Political equality
- These are rights which are considered necessary to enable citizens to develop themselves and participate in the affairs of the state
- It includes granting equal citizenship to all the members of the state
- Political or legal rights by itself are not sufficient for an equilateral society however they are important component to make a society egalitarian
Social equality
- Political equality or equality before law is the first step in the pursuit of equality but there is a need to implement equality of opportunity
- The pursuit of equality requires that people belonging to different groups and communities also have a fair and equal chance to complete for those goods and opportunities
- It is necessary to minimise effects of social and economical inequalities and guarantee certain minimum conditions of life to all the members of society
Economical equality
- Economic inequality exist in society with the significant difference in wealth property or income between individual classes
- To measure this they are two ways
- By measuring the relative difference between the richest and poorest group
- By measuring the estimate of numbers of people who live below the poverty line
- Most democracy try to give at least an equal opportunity to all its people
- Equal opportunities give the possibility to improves one position in society
Feminism
- It is a political doctrine of equal rights for men and women
- Feminist argues that the differences or the inequalities between men and women and neither natural non necessary and can be altered they are just created by society
- According to feminist inequalities between man and woman in society are result of patriarchy
- Patriarchy produces a division of labour by which women are supposed to be responsible for private and domestic matter why men are responsible for work in public domain
- This gives a burden on on women if the try to work outside in public domain they have to look after the house it gives double burden on them
Marxism
- It's an ideology that all inequality in the world arises from private ownership
- It argues at the private owners have power and influences the policies and loss thus creating inequality
- Marxism argues that government should distribute the wealth equally
- The try to ensure public control over essential resources and forms of property
Liberalism
- Liberalist consider the principle of competition as the most efficient and fairway of distribution of resources
- They are you that state need to ensure minimum standard of living and equal opportunities
- However they are you as long as competition is open in free inequalities are unlikely to become entrenched and people will get new reward for the talent and effort
Socialism
- It refers to set of political ideas concerned with how to minimise existing inequality and distribute resources justly
- They are not entirely oppose to markets but favour some kind of government regulation
- In India the eminent social thinker Rammanohar lohia identified kinds of inequality that are needed to be fought simultaneously
How can we promote equality?
Establishing formal equality
- End formal inequality and privileges.
- Customs and legal systems have historically protected social, economic, and political inequalities.
- The Indian Constitution ends restrictions and privileges, prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, and abolishes untouchability.
- Most democratic governments and modern constitutions ensure identical legal treatment for all citizens.
Equality Through Differential Treatment
- Different treatment may be necessary to ensure equal rights.
- Disabled individuals may need special ramps for equal access to public buildings.
- Some countries use affirmative action to enhance equality of opportunity; India uses reservations.
Affirmative Action
- Legal equality alone is insufficient to overcome deep-rooted social inequalities.
- Proactive measures are needed to address entrenched disparities.
- Designed to correct the cumulative effects of past discrimination and exclusion.
- Provides temporary, remedial support to historically disadvantaged groups so they can compete on equal terms.
Forms of Affirmative Action:
- Preferential spending on facilities such as scholarships and hostels for disadvantaged communities.
- Reservations or quotas in education and jobs to ensure equal opportunity.
- Implementation of reserved seats in education and employment to support deprived groups.
- Aimed at countering historical social prejudice, exclusion, and segregation experienced by certain communities.
- Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds often lack the initial resources and opportunities to compete fairly.
- Special assistance is necessary to bridge the gap created by long-standing inequalities in education and healthcare.
- Critics argue that differential treatment contradicts the principle of equality by creating reverse discrimination.
- There is concern that reservations may reinforce caste and racial prejudices instead of eliminating them.
- To create an egalitarian and just society where all individuals have fair opportunities.
- Differential treatment, when justified and temporary, may be necessary to achieve true equality.
