Chapter: Equality

• Introduction

  • Meaning of Equality
  • Core idea: Equal moral worth of all humans
  • Absence of special privileges
  • Equal opportunities for development

• Significance of Equality

  • Central goal of democracy and political thought
  • Combats historical injustices (caste, slavery, apartheid)
  • Ensures human dignity and rights

• Dimensions of Equality

  • Political Equality
    • Universal Adult Franchise
    • Equal right to vote and contest elections
    • Equal access to public offices
  • Social Equality
    • Abolition of discrimination (caste, race, gender, religion)
    • Equal access to public spaces (shops, wells, parks)
  • Economic Equality
    • Reduction of wealth gap
    • Basic needs met for all (food, shelter, clothing)
    • Equal opportunities, not necessarily absolute equal wealth

• New Dimensions of Equality

  • Gender Equality
    • Equal pay for equal work
    • Ending patriarchal norms and domestic violence
  • Legal Equality
    • Rule of Law
    • Equality before the law
    • Equal protection of the laws

• Equality vs. Freedom

  • Complementary, not contradictory concepts
  • Too much freedom (laissez-faire) leads to economic inequality
  • Regulation is needed to ensure a level playing field

• How to Promote Equality?

  • Establishing Formal Equality
    • Constitutional and legal frameworks
    • Abolishing discriminatory laws
  • Equality through Differential Treatment (Affirmative Action)
    • Treating unequals equally is unjust
    • Positive Discrimination / Reservations
    • Providing special support to disadvantaged groups (SC, ST, OBC, women)
  • Minimizing Inequalities
    • Progressive taxation
    • Welfare state policies (free education, healthcare)