📘 POLITICAL THEORY – EQUALITY
Concept • Dimensions • Debates • UPSC PSIR Complete Notes
1️⃣ WHAT IS EQUALITY?
Equality means treating individuals with equal moral worth.
It does not mean sameness, but fairness in opportunities and treatment.
2️⃣ TYPES OF EQUALITY
- Legal Equality – Equality before law
- Political Equality – Equal voting rights
- Social Equality – No discrimination
- Economic Equality – Reduction of income inequality
- Equality of Opportunity – Fair chances to succeed
3️⃣ FORMAL vs SUBSTANTIVE EQUALITY
- Formal Equality – Same rules for everyone
- Substantive Equality – Correcting disadvantages
Modern welfare states aim at substantive equality.
4️⃣ LIBERAL VIEW
- Equality before law
- Merit-based competition
- Limited state intervention
Classical liberals prioritize freedom over equality.
5️⃣ MARXIST VIEW
True equality requires abolition of private property.
- Classless society
- Common ownership
- End of exploitation
6️⃣ JOHN RAWLS – THEORY OF JUSTICE
- Equal basic liberties
- Difference Principle
Inequalities are justified only if they benefit the least advantaged.
7️⃣ FEMINIST VIEW
- Gender equality
- Recognition of unpaid care work
- Structural discrimination critique
8️⃣ EQUALITY IN INDIAN CONTEXT
- Article 14 – Equality before law
- Article 15 – No discrimination
- Reservation policies
- Affirmative action
📝 UPSC MAINS QUESTIONS
- Discuss various dimensions of equality.
- Differentiate formal and substantive equality.
- Is equality compatible with liberty?
- Examine Rawls' theory of distributive justice.
📌 QUICK REVISION MAP
- Equality ≠ Sameness
- Legal, Political, Social, Economic
- Rawls → Difference Principle
- Marx → Economic restructuring
- Indian Constitution → Protective discrimination
Democracy without equality becomes privilege.
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