Equality | Forms of Equality

Md. Saifur Rahman

Equality

Etymologically, 'equality is understood as the equal status of all in society. But not all the people in the society are equal and they are not born with equal competence. In real terms, equality is understood as a social environment in which irrespective of their ethnic, religious, or racial identities, all people, according to their qualities, receive equal opportunities. By utilizing these opportunities, they can develop their skill. Essentially, equally implies three things. 

First, abolishing privileges for a particular individual or a class. 

Second, to manage adequate privileges for all. 

Third, to enjoy equal opportunities according to competence.

Equality | Forms of Equality

Forms of Equality

Human beings require multiple opportunities for multifaceted development. To enjoy these numerous opportunities, equality can be divided into different types. 

For example, Social equality, Political equality, Economic equality, Legal equality, Natural equality and Personal equality.

Social Equality: Social equality means social opportunities equally enjoyed by all the members of the society regardless of their ethnic, religious, racial, and gender identities. No individual or a particular class is allowed to enjoy special privileges.

Political equality: It refers to the opportunities to participate in the state's activities by all. For political equality, citizens enjoy the right to express an opinion, be elected, and the right to vote.

Economic equality: It means the opportunities for a job according to one's competence and to get a just wage. Economic equality includes getting rid of unemployment and getting a legitimate profession.

Legal Equality: Keeping everybody equal in the eyes of the law despite their varying ethnic, religious, and racial identities is legal equality. Legal equality ensures that nobody should be arrested without offense and imprisoned without due process of trial.

Natural Equality: Every human being is born free and equal. But in reality, every human being cannot be equal physically and mentally. For this reason, the concept of natural equality is almost out of order these days.

Personal Equality: Personal equality implies eliminating barriers such as ethnic identity, religion, race, lineage, and status among human beings.

Relations between Equality and Freedom

There are two opinions in political science regarding the relationship between equality and freedom. They are-

1) equality and freedom complement each other and 2) equality and freedom are mutually antagonistic. The genuine relationships between these two will be revealed if we explain these opinions.

1) Mutually dependent: Equality and freedom are mutually dependent. Just as freedom cannot be imagined without equality, so equality also cannot be thought of without freedom. So it can be said that the more a state would be based on equality, the more freedom will be ensured.

2) Basis of democracy: Equality and freedom act as the basis of democracy. Just as equality is required to establish the rights of the people, so freedom is needed. If equality and freedom do not co-exist, democratic rights would not be possible to enjoy. Equality eliminates differences between the top and the bottom. Freedom offers the right to enjoy all the opportunities.

Finally, it can be said that equality and freedom are alternative and complementary to each other. Equality-based society cannot be possible unless we enjoy political, social, and economic freedom. With this freedom, people participate in state functions and enjoy the right to movement and freedom of right to life. Freedom is required for enjoying all the opportunities equally by all living in the society. So it can be said that equality means freedom and liberty means equality.

FAQs about Equality and Forms of Equality

1. What is equality?

Equality is the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities. It means that everyone should be treated fairly and given the same chances to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.

2. What are the different forms of equality?

There are many different forms of equality, but some of the most common include:

  • Racial equality: Everyone should be treated equally regardless of their race or ethnicity.
  • Gender equality: Everyone should be treated equally regardless of their gender identity or expression.
  • Economic equality: Everyone should have the same opportunities to earn a living and achieve financial security.
  • Social equality: Everyone should have the same access to education, healthcare, and other social goods and services.
  • Legal equality: Everyone should be treated equally under the law.
  • Disability equality: People with disabilities should have the same opportunities and rights as everyone else.
  • Religious equality: Everyone should be free to practice their religion without discrimination.
  • Sexual orientation equality: Everyone should be treated equally regardless of their sexual orientation.
  • Age equality: People of all ages should be treated equally.

3. Why is equality important?

Equality is important because it creates a more just and fair society for everyone. When everyone has the same opportunities to succeed, it benefits everyone. Equality also leads to increased economic prosperity, better health outcomes, and greater social stability.

4. What are some of the challenges to achieving equality?

There are many challenges to achieving equality, including discrimination, prejudice, and systemic inequality. Discrimination is the unfair treatment of a person or group of people based on their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. Prejudice is a preconceived opinion or feeling, either favorable or unfavorable, towards a person or group of people. Systemic inequality is the unfair distribution of resources and opportunities based on a person's or group's identity.

5. What can we do to promote equality?

There are many things we can do to promote equality, including:

  • Educating ourselves and others about the importance of equality.
  • Speaking out against discrimination and prejudice.
  • Supporting policies and programs that promote equality.
  • Challenging our own biases and assumptions.
  • Getting involved in organizations that are working to make the world a more just and equitable place.

6. Is equality the same as equity?

Equality and equity are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two. Equality means that everyone gets the same thing, while equity means that everyone gets what they need to succeed. For example, giving everyone the same pair of shoes would be equality, but giving everyone the shoes that best fit their feet would be equity.

7. What is the difference between diversity and inclusion?

Diversity is the presence of a variety of people from different backgrounds and experiences. Inclusion is the act of creating a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Diversity without inclusion is simply having a variety of people in the room, but inclusion without diversity is not possible.

8. How can we create a more inclusive society?

There are many things we can do to create a more inclusive society, including:

  • Celebrating our differences.
  • Listening to and learning from each other.
  • Challenging our own biases and assumptions.
  • Creating safe spaces for people to be themselves.
  • Holding each other accountable for our words and actions.

9. What are some resources for learning more about equality?

There are many resources available for learning more about equality, including:

10. What is the future of equality?

The future of equality is uncertain, but it is up to us to create a world where everyone has the same opportunities to succeed. By working together, we can build a more just and equitable society for all.

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