What is equality

Equality commonly refers to the idea of equal treatment. As a political ideal the concept of equality invokes the idea that all human beings have an equal worth regardless of their colour, gender, race, or nationality. Due to common humanity, human beings deserve equal consideration and respect. It is this notion of shared humanity that lies behind notions of ‘Universal human rights’ and ‘Crime against humanity’. When people are treated differently just because they are born in a particular religion, race or caste or gender, we regard it as an unacceptable form of inequality. The commitment to the ideal of equality does not imply the elim mination of all forms of differences. Natural inequalities are considered to be the result of the different characteristics and abilities with which people are born. Social inequalities are created by society. Natural differences which were considered natural, now no longer be seen as unalterable. Various thinkers and ideologues’ have highlighted three main dimensions of equalities namely, political, social and economic. In democratic societies political equality would normally include granting equal citizenship to all the members of the state. Citizenship brings with it certain basic rights such as the right to vote, freedom of expression, movement and association and freedom of belief. Inequalities are often the result of differences in the resources and opportunities which are available to citizens. That is why demand for ‘equal opportunities’ or for a ‘level playing field’ is often raised. Economic inequality exists in society if there are significant differences in wealth, property or income between individual or classes. Absolute equality of wealth or income has probably never existed in a society. Karl Marx was of the opinion that every society consists of two classes, the rich (Haves) and the poor (Haves-not). Unlike socialists, liberals do not believe that political, economic and social inequalities are necessarily linked. Feminism is a political doctrine of equal rights for women and men. Feminist are those men and women who believe that inequality in society is the result of patriarchy. Some countries have used policies of affirmative action to enhance equality of opportunity. Most policies of affirmative action are designed to correct the cumulative effect of past inequalities.