Equality Notes in English Class 11 Political Science Chapter-3 Book-2

 

• What is equality? 

• Does equality mean treating every person equally in every situation? 

• How can we move towards equality and minimise inequality in different spheres of life? 

• How can we understand the political, economic and social dimensions of equality separately? 

• Socialism, Marxism, Liberalism and Feminism Ideology 

• Nature of inequality

Why is equality important?    

In simple terms  , equality is a moral and political ideal  that promotes justice, dignity, and respect in society. 

According to the concept of equality, all individuals in the society, irrespective of their caste, gender, religion, economic status, should get equal rights and opportunities.

The importance of equality

• Respect for human dignity

• social justice 

• Foundations of democracy

• Historical inspiration 

• Equal opportunities and empowerment 

Respect for human dignity

Every individual has equal human worth. Equality ensures that there is no discrimination or bias against any individual and everyone gets equal dignity in society.

social justice 

Equality works towards eliminating the inequalities prevalent in the society and creating a just society. 

It helps in providing equal opportunities to the deprived and marginalized groups in the society.

Foundations of democracy

The basis of the democratic system is equality. It ensures equal political, social and economic rights to all citizens. 

Historical inspiration 

Slogans such as "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" from the French Revolution and demands for equality in anti-colonial movements have inspired social and political changes.

Equal opportunities and empowerment

Equality ensures  that every individual has the opportunity to develop their talents and abilities. 

It plays a vital role in empowering marginalized communities such as women and Dalits.

the basis of peace and development

Equality maintains peace and harmony in the society. 

When everyone gets equal opportunities, social development and economic progress are promoted.

Equality in today's context 

At present, equality is accepted as a major ideal.  Almost all countries have included equality in their constitution.  These countries provide equal opportunity to their citizens, but still inequality is seen more than equality everywhere. 

Examples of inequality -

Luxurious houses,  slums,  luxurious schools,  schools with lack of facilities 

What is equality?

The concept of equality states that all human beings are entitled to equal respect and care because of their common humanity.

No society treats all its members equally in all situations. 

Different works and different people get different importance. 

At times, this difference in behavior may not only be acceptable, but may even seem necessary.

Example - 

We do not consider it contrary to the concept of equality to give special government status or honour to a Prime Minister or an Army General as long as it is not misused.  Now the question arises as to which distinctions and distinctions are acceptable and which are not.  Sometimes people are treated differently because they were born in a particular religion, race, caste or gender.  We reject these grounds of inequality. 

equality of opportunities

The concept of equality implies that all human beings are entitled to equal rights and opportunities to develop their skills and talents and to fulfill their goals and aspirations.  This means that people in a society may differ in their choices and preferences.  Their talents and abilities may also differ and some may be more successful than others in their chosen fields.  But just because someone has reached the top spot in cricket or has become a very successful lawyer, a society cannot be considered unequal.  In other words, it is not important to lack equality in social status, wealth or privileges  but inequalities in the availability of basic things like education, health and safe housing make a society unequal and unjust.

Natural and social inequalities 

In political theory a distinction is made between natural inequalities and socially generated inequalities. 

Natural inequalities - arise among people because of their different abilities, talents and their different choices. 

Social inequalities – which arise due to inequality of opportunities in society or exploitation of one group by another.

Difference between natural and social inequalities

Natural inequalities are considered to be the result of people's innate characteristics and abilities. 

In these it is assumed that natural variations cannot be changed.

On the other hand, there are social inequalities which are created by society. 

Example: Some societies value intellectual workers more than physical workers  and provide them different benefits. 

They treat people of different race, colour or caste differently. 

Such discriminations have been created by society, some of these may certainly seem unfair to us.

When certain inequalities in the behaviour of people continue to exist for a long time, they begin to appear to us to be based on the natural characteristics of human beings. 

It seems as if they are inborn and cannot change easily. 

Example - Women were called  'Abala' since time immemorial.

Black people in Africa were seen by their colonial rulers as less intelligent and only better at physical labour, sports and music. 

 

Dimensions of similarity 

1. Social equality 

2. Political equality 

3. Economic equality 

1. Economic equality 

Political equality means that all individuals in a democratic society have equal citizenship and rights. This idea is the foundation of a democratic system, where all citizens have the right to political, social, and economic participation without any discrimination.  All individuals are granted equal citizenship, in which they are considered equal before the law.  People have the right to vote, freedom of expression, right to contest elections, right to form a political party 

2. Social equality 

Social equality means that all individuals in society have equal opportunities, rights and respect so that they can develop their abilities and contribute equally to society.  All individuals should get equal opportunities, regardless of their caste, gender, religion or social status. 

It is important to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity in education, health, nutrition, and employment.

It is necessary to ensure the availability of basic resources like health services, good education, nutritious food, and minimum wages.

3. Economic equality 

Economic equality refers to providing equality in economic resources, opportunities, and living standards to all members of society. It works towards reducing the deep economic inequalities existing in the society and giving everyone equal opportunities to utilize their abilities and talents.

There is deep economic inequality in society 

Marxism and economic equality 

Causes of Economic Inequalities:

1. According to Marx, the root cause of inequalities is private ownership of vital resources (such as land, water, and property).

2. This private ownership gives not only economic power, but also political power.

Solution:- Marxist and Socialist ideology  believes that to establish equality in the society:

(i) There should be public control over economic resources and property.

(i) Equal availability of essential resources must be ensured to all.

According to this ideology, it is difficult to achieve social and political equality without eliminating inequalities.

Liberalism and economic equality 

Theory of Competition:

Liberals believe that free and fair competition is the most effective way to achieve economic equality.

Every person should have equal opportunities, but the benefits and resources should go to those who earn them through their hard work and talent.

Minimal interference:

The job of the state is only to ensure that everyone gets minimum resources and equal opportunities to live.

But the state should avoid attempting to eliminate every inequality.

How can we promote equality 

• Establishing formal equality

• by differential treatment 

• Affirmative Action   

Establishing formal equality

Establishing formal equality means eliminating the formal system of inequality and privilege that prevails in society. 

This is the first and necessary step towards bringing equality.

In many societies across the world, certain sections of society  were deprived of opportunities and benefits. 

Example :-

1. In many countries, poor people were deprived of voting rights.

2. Women were not allowed to participate in business and other activities.

3. The caste system in India prevented the lower castes from doing anything other than physical labour.

4. In some countries the highest positions were limited to special families only.

by differential treatment 

The principle of equality cannot be limited to formal equality or equality before the law. To ensure real equality, it is necessary to understand the specific needs and circumstances of people and take special measures accordingly. 

This can be called equality by differential treatment.

The need for differential treatment –

In some situations it becomes necessary to treat different classes or individuals differently to achieve equality.

Example 1 - Making ramps in public places for the disabled. This gives them equal opportunity to access public buildings.

Example 2 - Safety measures for women working in call centers at night. This gives them the benefit of equal rights to work safely.

Affirmative Action   

Affirmative action aims to eliminate deep-seated inequalities in society. It is based on taking positive and concrete steps to mitigate the ill-effects of past discrimination and social deprivation.

Objectives of affirmative action:

• Giving disadvantaged communities access to opportunities and resources that were taken away from them in the past.

• Correcting the cumulative effects of past inequalities.

• Establishment of social harmony and a just society.

forms of affirmative action

Special Provisions in Education:

• Scholarships and hostel facilities for underprivileged communities.

• Reservation in educational institutions.

Reservation in employment:

• Reserved seats or quotas for disadvantaged sections in jobs.

• Subsidy and other special arrangements- Special economic packages and schemes.

Affirmative Action in India –

Reservation policy has been adopted in India to provide equal opportunities to disadvantaged groups.

Basis of reservation policy:-

• Caste-based discrimination.

• Communities that are victims of social isolation and prejudice.

• Need for special protection to participate in equal competition.

Criticism of affirmative action

Allegation of Discrimination:

Some critics believe that reservations and quotas themselves are a form of discrimination. This leads to unequal treatment of other communities.

Violation of equality:

The principle of equality states that everyone should be treated equally.