📘 Political Theory – Page 21 EQUALITY: From Formal Equality to Social Justice
Equality is not sameness. It is fairness in structure.
1️⃣ What is Equality?
Equality means treating individuals as moral equals. It does NOT mean identical treatment in all situations.
Core Question:
- Equality of what?
- Equality between whom?
- How much inequality is acceptable?
2️⃣ Types of Equality
🔹 Formal Equality
- Equality before law
- No discrimination
- Liberal constitutional principle
🔹 Political Equality
- One person, one vote
- Equal participation rights
🔹 Social Equality
- No caste discrimination
- No racial hierarchy
🔹 Economic Equality
- Reduction of income inequality
- Access to basic needs
🔹 Equality of Opportunity
- Equal starting point
- Fair competition
🔹 Equality of Outcome
- Redistribution to reduce final inequalities
- Often supported by socialist thinkers
3️⃣ Liberal View of Equality
- Legal and political equality
- Equality of opportunity
- Merit-based competition
Problem: Ignores structural disadvantages.
4️⃣ Marxist View
- Capitalism creates inequality
- Private property causes exploitation
- True equality requires abolition of class system
Marx: Equality without economic transformation is illusion.
5️⃣ Rawls on Equality
- Difference Principle
- Inequality acceptable only if benefits least advantaged
- Fair equality of opportunity
Rawls balances liberty and equality.
6️⃣ Amartya Sen – Capability Approach
- Equality of capabilities, not just resources
- Focus on real freedom to achieve goals
- Development as expansion of freedoms
Sen shifts debate from income to human capability.
7️⃣ Feminist Critique
- Formal equality insufficient
- Structural patriarchy exists
- Need substantive equality
8️⃣ Equality in Indian Constitution
- Article 14 – Equality before law
- Article 15 – Prohibition of discrimination
- Article 16 – Equal opportunity in public employment
- Reservation policy
- Affirmative action
Indian Constitution supports substantive equality.
9️⃣ Contemporary Debates
- Reservation vs Merit
- Economic reservation
- Gender quota
- Global inequality
- Digital divide
🔟 Equality vs Liberty Debate
- Too much equality may reduce liberty?
- Too much liberty may increase inequality?
Political theory constantly balances both.
Equality is not giving everyone the same shoes. It is giving everyone the right size.
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