EQUALITY CLASS 11 Notes

 WHY DOES EQUALITY MATTER?

Powerful moral and political Ideal: Equality is a strong idea shaping society for ages.

Religious View: All faiths see all humans as God's creation.

Equal Worth: People should be valued equally despite differences ex: colour, gender, race, or nationality.

Shared Humanity: 

We all deserve equal respect due to our common humanity.

Supports: 

• universal rights and 
• condemns 'crimes against humanity'.

Equality in Modern period:

Equality Against Inequality: In the Modern era, all human beings struggle against: 

• States
• Institutions promote inequalities in: 
• Rank, 
• Wealth 
• Status or privilege, amongst people. 

 

18th C French Revolution: 

Used the slogan 'Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity' to fight aristocracy and monarchy.

Anti-Colonial Movements: In 20th-century Asia and Africa, calls for equality during anti-colonial struggles.

Struggling groups (e.g., women, dalits) raise concerns about marginalization.

Equality is accepted globally, 

• reflected in constitutions and laws.

But, inequality is more visible in the world and within societies.

slums existing side by side with luxury housing

Elite schools - schools lack even drinking water facilities or toilets, waste of food as well as starvation.

Glaring differences between: 

• what the law promises and 
• what we see around us.

FACT SHEET ON GLOBAL INEQUALITIES 1. The richest 50 individuals in the world have a combined income greater than that of the poorest 40 crore people. 2. The poorest 40 per cent of the world’s population receive only 5 per cent of global income, while the richest 10 per cent of the world’s population controls 54 per cent of global income. 3. The first world of the advanced industrial countries, mainly North America and Western Europe, with 25 per cent of the world’s population, owns 86 per cent of the world’s industry, and consumes 80 per cent of the world’s energy. 4. On a per capita basis, a resident of the advanced industrial countries consumes at least three times as much water, ten times as much energy, thirteen times as much iron and steel and fourteen times as much paper as someone living in a developing country like India or China. 5. The risk of dying from pregnancy related causes is 1 to 18 in Nigeria but 1 to 8700 in Canada. 6. The industrial countries of the first world account for nearly two-thirds of the global emissions of carbon dioxide from the combustion of fossil fuels. They also account for three-quarters of emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxide that cause acid rain. Many industries known for their high rate of pollution are being shifted from the developed countries to the less developed countries. Source: Human Development Report, 2005, UNDP.

Paradox of Equality and Inequality:

- Paradox: Desire for equality, yet widespread inequality.

- Global unevenness in wealth, opportunities, power.

Unfair Separation by Race and Color:

- People discriminate based on race and color.

- Such separation seems unjust.

Equality Upholds Shared Humanity:

- Equality means respect for all.

- Shared humanity warrants respect and consideration.

Equal Respect vs. Identical Treatment:

• Equal respect doesn't always mean identical treatment.
• Societies divide work and functions for smooth operation.
• People have different status and rewards due to their roles.

Acceptable Differences:

• Society's functioning requires distinctions.
• Some differences of treatment seem acceptable or necessary.

For example, 

Giving prime ministers or army generals special status isn't against equality if privileges aren't misused.

Example: Denying slum child food, education unfairly.

Unacceptable and Acceptable Inequalities:

- Treating people differently due to religion, race, caste, or gender is unacceptable.

Pursuing various ambitions and achieving differently is okay.

• Ex: some become famous scientists while others are more noted for their hard work and conscientiousness.

Equality means not predetermined treatment based on birth or social situation.

• Example: Denying education to someone because of their caste is unfair inequality.

Equality through Opportunities:

- Equality means same rights and chances for all to grow.

- People have diverse preferences and skills.

- Differences in success don't make society unequal.

- Lack of equality in basic needs like education, healthcare, housing matters more for justice.

Natural and Social Inequalities

Types of Inequalities:

- Natural Inequalities: Arise from diverse capabilities and talents.

- Socially-Produced Inequalities: Result from unequal opportunities or exploitation.

Ex- Societies can favor intellectual work over manual work, leading to different rewards.

- People are treated differently based on race, color, gender, caste.

- Reflect society's values; some might seem unjust.

Useful Distinction: Natural vs. Social Inequalities:

Helps differentiate between fair and unfair inequalities.

Sometimes not clear; requires consideration.

Long-existing inequalities might seem justifiable due to natural traits.

Example: 

Historically women - ‘the weaker sex’ -needing special protection - denying women equal rights justified. 

Black people in Africa - colonial masters - lesser intelligence, - better at manual work, - justify slavery.

Problem with "Natural Differences" Idea:

• Some "natural" differences can change now (Disability)
• Medical progress helps disabled people.
• Technology aids blind, physically disabled (artificial limb)
• Cosmetic surgery changes looks.
• Stephen Hawking's success despite disablility.
• Denying help to disabled is unfair.

3.3 THREE DIMENSIONS OF EQUALITY

Political Equality

Political Equality and Citizenship:

Equal Citizenship: In democracies, all get equal citizenship.

Rights: Voting, expression, movement, belief guaranteed.

Inequality Despite Rights: 

Due to differences in the resources and opportunities which are available to citizens in the social and economic spheres

Ex: Election

Equal Opportunities: Demand for fairness.

Importance: Political equality crucial for just societies.

Social Equality: Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunities:

  - Equal chances for various groups to compete.

  - Goes beyond just political legal rights.

Addressing Social and Economic Inequalities:

  - Essential to minimize inequalities' effects.

  - Guarantees basic life conditions for all: healthcare, education, nourishment, minimum wage.

Facilitating Equal Competition:

  - Minimizing inequalities helps everyone compete fairly.

  - Lack of facilities hinders fair competition.

India's Unique Challenges:

  - Special issues with equal opportunities.

  - Customs, traditions affect opportunities.

  - Example: women's inheritance rights, social prohibitions, denying higher education.

Tapping into Potential Talent:

  - Lack of equal opportunity wastes potential talent.

  - Unequal competition holds back society.

State's Role in Promoting Equality:

Policy Responsibility:

  - State should create policies against women's discrimination and harassment.

  - Encourage education and profession openings for women.

Collective Efforts:

  - Social groups and individuals also contribute.

  - Raise awareness, provide support for exercising rights.

Economic Equality

Defining Economic Inequality:

  - Economic inequality = significant differences in wealth, property, income among individuals/classes.

Measuring Inequality:

  - Compare wealth of richest and poorest.

  - Estimate people below the poverty line.

Unattainable Absolute Equality:

  - Absolute wealth/income equality unlikely.

  - Democracies offer equal opportunities, allowing talent and effort to improve lives.

Equal Opportunities and Individual Improvement:

- Equal opportunities allow for potential social improvement.

- Inequalities might still persist among individuals.

Entrenched Inequalities and Societal Danger:

- Entrenched inequalities pose greater risks for a society.

- Over generations, certain classes with wealth and power can divide society.

- Prolonged class differences lead to resentment and violence.

Challenges in Reforming Society:

- Wealthy classes holding power can make reform challenging.

- Achieving an open and egalitarian society becomes difficult.

Feminism: Equal Rights for All Genders:

- Feminism advocates equal rights for women and men.

- Feminists believe inequalities between genders can be changed.

- Goal is for both women and men to live freely and equally.

Feminist Perspective on Inequality and Patriarchy:

Feminists attribute gender inequality to patriarchy.

Patriarchy is a system valuing men over women, granting men power.

Patriarchy is based on the idea of natural gender differences justifying unequal roles.

Feminists distinguish between "sex" (biological) and "gender" (social roles).

Example: Pregnancy doesn't necessitate only women caring for children.

Feminists highlight society's role in generating gender inequality, not nature.