Equality Flashcards
What is equality?
Equality is a moral and political concept under which everyone is subjected to equal treatment and equal rewards irrespective of their caste, color, religion, colour, or gender. It is the basic pillar of democracy and it seeks to create an environment in which everyone enjoys equal opportunities and equal access to the basic necessities of life. It also seeks to remove disparities at different levels on different grounds. It is based on the thesis that we are all alike in our capabilities and capacities and hence, should be treated alike in the matter of rewards and opportunities. The concept of equality puts emphasis on a just and equal socio-economic society.
What do you mean by absolute equality?
The supporter of absolute equality has a negative view of equality which means ‘absence of privileges’ i.e. no person or class or caste should hold a special position on any ground like caste, colour, region, religion or economic status. They demand a society where all are equal and there is no disparity of any kind in any degree. Absolute equality seems to be an impossibility in a collective society because there is natural inequality of colour and sex and also inequality of environment which produces men and women of unequal strength, capabilities and capacities.
What are the essentials of the positive aspect of equality?
The positive aspect of equality means equality of an environment where all the people could get equal access and opportunities for their abound development. Essentials of the positive aspect of equality are as under:
Equal opportunities. Access to minimum needs. Equal treatment with all. Fulfilment of basic needs. Availability of resources.
What is equality of opportunities?
Equality of opportunities implies that all the people are entitled to get rights and opportunities to develop their talent, skills, and potential and to achieve their desired goal in different areas of life. People may differ in their skill and talent, but they should get equal opportunities to develop them and should not be denied on the ground of caste, colour, sex and status. If there is inequality due to difference in talent or skill or capacities,- that should not be treated as inequality. Inequality lies, in the denial of access to such basic goods which are necessary for life, and that makes unequal and unjust society.
What do you mean by natural inequality?
Natural inequality is the most important aspect of inequality. It is “that inequality which is natural i.e. inequality of colour, height and sex.
Natural inequalities are considered to be the result of the different ‘ characteristics and abilities with which people are born. In fact, natural inequalities have to be accepted as equality because there is no creation of a man-made environment and they cannot be altered or modified. If some people are black and others are white, it is natural inequality, similarly if one is male and other is female, it is natural inequality. These are transmitted from one generation to another and are based on natural conditions.
Social inequalitues>\
Social inequalities are widely prevailing in society and these are the matter of concern. These social inequalities are the creation, of social taboos and social environment. Society has different perceptions of different situations. People look at the people of different caste, colour, profession and strata differently and so are they awarded which gives birth to the unequal situation. Social inequalities are man-made which are unjust and need reform.
