11 EQUALITY Notes

Terminology and Important Persons

1. Equality: Situation in which all people are considered equal
and dignified under collective humanity.
2. Political Ideal: Very important elements related to the political
life and governing system of society are termed political ideal.
3. Universal Human Rights: Rights available to man in all
situations and at all places are called universal human rights,
such as 'right to life' is a universal human right.
4. Crimes against humanity: Such acts that are detrimental to
society and individuals, and are not acceptable to humans.
5. Revolution: Sudden activity, which occurs as a protest to bring
changes in government or regime in an illegal way or by force, is
called revolution.
Example: French Revolution.
6. Self realisation: Experience/feeling on basis of one's wisdom.
7. Social status: The position and role of an individual in society.
8. Equality of opportunities: Equality of opportunities implies
that all individuals are entitled to equal rights and equal
opportunities in order to fulfil their ambitions and aspirations, and
to enhance their skills and talents.
9. Natural Inequalities: Such discrimination which are imposed
from birth itself are natural inequalities, such as: man-woman,
white-black, etc.
10. Socially-produced Inequalities: Discrimination based on
customs traditions, values, etc. adopted by society are called
socially-produced
inequalities, such as discrimination made between boy and girl.
11. Justifiable: That which is correct according to justice.
12.Equality based Society: Society in which the same behaviour
is shown towards various members under similar situations. In
this type of society, untouchability, discrimination etc. are not
found.
13. Political Equality: Dimension of equality in which different
groups and communities of people have equal and sufficient
chance to obtain the resources and opportunities available in
society.
14. Economic Equality: Equality in wealth and income among
members of society.
15. Marxism: Marxism is a political and economic way of
organizing society, where the workers own the means of
production. It originates from the works of 19th century German
philosophers Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
16. Liberalism: Liberalism is a political and moral philosophy
based on liberty, consent of the governed and equality before the
law.
17. Feminism: All those political social ideas that speak of
women's rights, and emphasise equality of men and women, are
collectively called feminism.
18. Patriarchal Society: Society in which men are accorded a
supreme position and women depend on men for everything.
19. Suffrage: The right to vote given to citizens for electing their
public representatives.
20. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia: He was a leading sociolist thinker
of India. He propounded the concept of 'Sapta Kranti' for
establishing equality in the society.
21. Martin Luther King: He was an American Christian minister
and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and
leader in the civil rights movement from 1955 untill his
assassination in 1968. King is best known for advancing civil
rights through non-violence and civil disobedience, inspired by his
Christian beliefs and the non-violent activism of Mahatma Gandhi.
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Q.1. What is Equality?
Ans. Equality refers to avail equal opportunities to one and all
without any discrimination on any ground and everybody is equal
before law.
Q.2. In which forms has equality been inspiring and guiding
humanity through the centuries?
Ans. Equality has been inspiring and guiding humanity for
centuries in the form of a powerful moral and political ideal.
Q.3. What is the major claim of equality?
Ans. The major claim of equality is: "On account of common
humanity, all people are worthy of getting equal importance and
respect".
Q.4. At present, which sections of society have been continually
demanding equality?
Ans. In present time, the backward and neglected classes of the
society like women, dalits, etc. have been making demands for
equality.
Q.5. At present, which is the widely accepted ideal?
Ans. At present, equality is the widely accepted idea.
Q.6. What does our 'self realisation' of equality say?
Ans. The self realisation of equality says that all men have the
right to equal respect and attention due to collective humanity.
Q.7. Can any society treat all its members with complete equality
in all situations?
Ans. No, no society can treat all its members with complete
equality in all situations.
Q.8. Which bases of inequality are not acceptable?
Ans. Inequality based on religion, race, caste or gender cannot be
accepted.
Q.9. What is meant by equality of opportunities?
Ans. Availability of equal opportunities to every individual in order
to develop their personality, is equality of opportunities.
10. In political theory, which two inequalities are differentiated?
Ans. In political theory, we differentiate between 'natural
inequality' and 'socially- produced inequality'.
Q.11. Natural inequalities are created due to which factors?
Ans. Natural inequalities are created due to different capabilities,
talent, and different choices of people.
Q.12. What are socially-produced inequalites? OR what are social
inequalities?
Ans. Social inequalities are these which are created due to
inequality of opportunity in society or due to exploitation of one
group by another.
Q.13. Of which factors are natural inequalities considered to be
the outcome?
Ans. Natural inequalities are considered an outcome of in born
qualities and abilities.
Q.14. Why is the differentiation between natural and social
inequalities necessary?
Ans. It is important to differentiate between natural and social
inequalities because by this it becomes possible to separate
appropriate inequalities and unjust inequalities.
Q.15. What are the three dimensions of equality?
Ans. Equality has three dimensions: (i) political equality, (ii) social
equality and (iii) economic equality.
Q.16. For the formation of which kind of society is political equality
an important factor?
Ans. political equality is an important factor for the formation of a
just and equitable society.
Q.17. Provision of equal 'voting rights' to citizens symbolises
which type of equality?
Ans. Providing equal voting rights to citizens symbolises political
equality.
Q.18. 'Under social equality' which objectives are sought to be
fulfilled?
Ans. Under social equality, efforts are made to provide all
members of the society with complete healthcare, educational
and nutritional facilities.
Q.19. 'Discrimination is prohibited in public places'. To which
dimension of equality is this statement related?
Ans. This statement is related to the dimension of 'social equality'.
Q.20. Mention any one way of measuring economic inequality.
Ans. There is a way of estimating economic equality estimating
the number of people living below the poverty line.
Q.21. What are the two main concepts related to the modern age
idea of equality in our society?
Ans. Marxism and liberalism are the two main concepts related to
equality in our modern society.
Q.22. Which things to 'Marxists' and 'socialists' consider to be
promoters of social inequalities?
Ans. 'Marxists' and 'socialists' consider economic inequalities (like
social prestige, special privileges, etc.) to be promoters of social
inequalities.
Q.23. Which principle do liberals support as the best and most
effective method of distributing the resources and dividends in
society?
Ans. Liberals support the 'principle of competition' as the best and
most effective method of ensuring equitable distribution of
resources and dividends in society.
Q.24. In contrast to socialists, which inequalities do liberals not
consider as mutually related essentially?
Ans. In contrast to socialists, liberals do not consider political,
economic and social inequalities to be essentially connected to
each other.
Q.25. What is Faminism?
Ans. A political doctrine of equal rights for men and women.
Q.26. Whose equal rights does the principle of feminism support?
Ans. Feminism supports equal rights for men and women.
Q.27. According to feminists, inequality between men and women
is the result of which kind of society?
Ans. According to feminists, inequality between men and women
is the result of a patriarchical society.
Q.28. Write any two ways in which equality can be promoted.
Ans. Two ways to promote equality are:
(i) establishment of formal equality
(ii) equality through differential treatment.
Q.29. What kind of discrimination is providing scholarship to
students of deprived communities?
Ans. Provision of scholarship to students of deprived communities
is 'positive discrimination'.
Short Answer Type Questions:
Q.1. What do you meant 'Equality'?
Ans. Equality: Equality is that state in which all individuals are
considered equal and dignified under collective humanity. Equality
emphasises all kinds of inappropriate and discriminatory
practices. Equality is an essential state and right for protecting the
dignity and for developing the all-round personality of all
individuals. Some positive discriminations are also accepted
under equality.
Q.2. What is the political ideal of equality?
Ans. The concept of equality as a political ideal, attaches
importance to those qualities through which all men are collective
partners despite their differences of colour, gender, race or
nationality, such as universal rights or crimes against humanity.
Q.3. What are universal human rights?
Ans. Universal human rights are those rights which are enjoyed
by every individual due to their status as a human. These rights
are accepted in all situations and all places. For example: 'right to
life' is a universal human right. This right cannot be taken away
from any person in any country of the world. Universal human
rights can be taken away only in special circumstances (sedition,
terrorism).
Q.4. What is meant by 'crimes against humanity'?
Ans. Crimes against humanity imply those acts, situations and
activities which are improper and unjust to any person because of
their status as humans. Such acts have been done by various
people and classes in society, and some times also by states and
government. For example: the 'Jalliawala Bagh' massacre under
British rule in India, was a serious crime against humanity.
Q.5. In which struggles is the idea of 'Equality of all Human' being
used as a slogan in modern times?
Ans. In modern times, 'Equality of all Human' is being used as a
slogan in struggles for equality against regimes and specially
authorised social institutions. The purpose of this slogan is to
bring solidarity in those struggles. Many big political-social
changes took place under this slogan, such as the revolution of
the United States, the revolution of France.
Q.6. What is inherent in the idea of equality?
Ans. The belief that equal treatment be given to all members of
society in similar situations, is inherent in the idea of equality. All
those inequalities which are unjust and fit for removal, should be
ended. It is also inherent in equality that in some special
circumstances, just and appropriate discrimination can be done.
Q.7. Which is the biggest paradox in the idea of equality?
Ans. The biggest paradox in the idea of equality is that on one
hand everyone accepts the ideal of equality and on the other
hand inequality is seen everywhere in society. We live in such a
complex world where wide inequality exists in wealth, property,
opportunity, work, status and power. Both these things present a
paradox.
Q.8. Can all members of society be treated completely equally in
all circumstances?
Ans. No, all members of society cannot be given complete equal
treatment in all circumstances. The reason for this is that for the
smooth and orderly conduct of activities and business in society, it
is necessary to have division of labour. When such a division is
done by society or government, inequality and discrimination is
created in society. However, this inequality is just and correct.
Q.9. With which idea is the fact of being connected to the ideal of
equality implicated?
Ans. Being connected to the ideal of equality implies that the way
people are treated and the opportunities given to them, should not
be decided on basis of their birth or social condition only. When
we speak of equality, it does not mean that all types of differences
be eradicated in society.
Q.10. Explain 'natural inequality' in brief.
Ans. 'Natural inequality' is that inequality which arises from the
circumstances of birth of a person. For instance, someone may
be born in a high caste family wealthy and affluent, while other
may be weak and poor by-birth. This is natural inequality, which a
person inherits by birth. However, taking these in equalities to be
the ultimat truth, the backward, neglected and weak people
cannot be left to languish with their fate.
Q.11. Which inequalities are created by society?
Ans. The inequalities in society that have been created due to
social customs and traditions, are the inequalities created by
society. For example, discrimination against people on basis of
lineage, colour, caste or gender is socially created inequality.
Similarly, untouchability, class distinction, etc. are also
inequalities created by society.
Q.12. How to social inequalities take the form of natural
inequalities?
Ans. When certain inequalities remain in the behaviour of people
in society for a long time, these appear to be based on natural
attributes. In this way, social inequalities take the form of natural
inequalities. For example, women have been considered weak
and powerless for ages. Gradually, women were assumed to be
dependent on men. This idea is sought to be justified on natural
basis.
Q.13. Mention the main features of 'political equality'.
Ans. The following features are included in political equality:
(i) All adult citizens should have equal voting rights.
(ii) Citizens should have equal rights to pursue their own religius
faiths freely.
(iii)Citizens should have the freedom of thought and expression.
(iv)The laws and the constitution should formally declare and
protect the rights of citizens.
Q.14. For removing which obstacles in the path of a person's
development is social equality needed?
Ans. Social equality is needed to remove the following obstacles
in the path of a person's development:
(i) Colour discrimination, class discrimination and untouchability
prevalent in society.
(ii) Exploitation of weaker sections in society.
(iii) Treating people in society in a way that affronts their dignity.
Q.15. Why is 'equality of opportunities' sought to be provided to
establish economic equality in a democracy?
Ans. In present times, 'equality of opportunities' is sought to be
provided to establish economic equality in most democratic states
on the premise that by providing equal opportunities, the lot of
backward, poor classes can be improved. Given these
opportunities, most talented and diligent people can improve their
economic condition.
Q.16. Why does 'Marxism' oppose private ownership?
Ans. Marxism opposes private ownership since marxists believe
that private ownership not only makes the affluent class rich, but
also lends them political power. This political power causes these
people to gain the ability to influence the policies and laws of the
state. Hence, private ownership creates political and social
inequalities.
Q.17. Liberals support the principle of competition. What is this
based on?
Ans. Liberals support the principle of competition or open
competition among people. They believe the ability and capability
of people to be the basis behind this. Liberals are of the view that
competition among people under free and impartial circumstances
is the only way to effect a just distribution of dividends in society.
Those who are capable will themselves fulfil their needs.
Q.18. What does 'patriarchy' mean?
Ans. Patriarchy implies such social, economic and cultural system
in which men are accorded more importance and power than
women. Patriarchy is based on the belief that men and women
are different by nature. In this way. Patriarchal system justifies the
inequality between men and women on natural basis.
Q.19. What is socialism? Which ideals is it related to?
Ans. Socialism is an aggregation of certain political ideas that
have arisen in response to inequalities. The main concern of
socialism is to minimise the existing inequalities and to ensure the
just distribution of resources. Thus, socialism lays special
emphasis on establishment of social and economic equality in
society. Socialism favours government regulation and control over
basic facilities.
►Short Answer Type Questions:
Q.1. What significance does the concept of equality have for us?
OR
Why is the concept of equality very important to us?
Ans. The concept of equality is very important to us. Its
importance can be explained on the following bases:
(i) Means of our all round development: The concept of equality is
an important means of our all round development. Without
equality, we shall lose our dignity and rights in society and our
physical, mental, economic and social development will stop.
(ii) 'Equality' is an essential pre-requisite to the establishment of
democracy: It is through the establishment of equality that the
objective of democracy can be realised. All members of society
would be able to participate in the system when all of them get
equal opportunities. Hence the concept of equality is very
important as an essential pre-requisite for establishment of
democracy.
(iii) Necessary for establishing a just society: A just society cannot
be established until equitable and just treatment is not meted out
to all members of society. Thus, in order to promote the correct
and to stop the incorrect in society, the concept of equality is an
important means.
Q.2. What do you understand by 'equality of opportunities'?
Explain in brief.
Ans. Equality of opportunities: Equality of opportunities has an
important place in the concept of quality. Equality of opportunities,
in simple terms, means that equal opportunity be given to each
member of society in order to allow them equal chance to develop
and to participate in society and system. Equality of opportunities
is an important and necessary element for bringing in all three
dimensions of equality political, economic and social equalities.
Under political equality, equal voting rights for all citizens,
freedoms and the equal opportunity to enter public services
'symbolises the equality of opportunities'. Similarly, in economic
sphere, the opportunity given to all people to gain employment in
accordance with their abilities, and to achieve economic growth is
also a symbol of 'equality of opportunities'. Equality of
opportunities is also seen as freedom of access to public places
for all and not discriminating against different people in society.
Thus, 'equality of opportunities' is a very important element.
Q.3. It is useful to differentiate between natural and socially-
produced inequalities, but the difference between these two
inequalities is not always clear and distinct'. Explain this
statement.
Ans. It is useful to differentiate between natural and socially-
produced inequality. The benefit in doing so is that we can
separate easily acceptable inequality and unacceptable
inequality. We can establish a just society by ending
unacceptable inequalities. However, this is more easily said than
done. This is because it is very difficult to differentiate between
natural and social inequality in many instances. For instance,
society has considered weak and powerless for ages. This has
been labelled a natural inequality. Today, it is difficult to say with
certainly whether this is a natural or social inequality. The given
statement expresses this dilemma and agony.
Q.4. Which problems can arise from the concept of 'Natural
differences'?
Ans. When we accept certain inequalities and special privileges
on basis of natural and behavourial circumstances, it becomes
the concept of 'natural differences'. This concept too has its own
problems. A big problem arises from the concept of 'natural
differences'. This problem is that some differences assumed to be
natural are now no longer unchangeable. For example: Medical
science and technological development has made it possible for
disable people to work effectively in society. Today, computers
can help the visually challenged. Wheel chairs and artificial limbs
can be helpful in removing physical disability. Hence, if under the
concept of 'natural differences', disabled people today are
considered insignificant or are deprived of employment and
livelihood, it would be unjust. Hence, in modern society, the
concept of 'Natural differences' cannot be accepted in totality and
neither can it be applied. Such problems arise from the concept of
'Natural differences'.
Q.5. Explain 'political equality' in brief. Is it necessary for
establishing an equitable society?
Ans. Political Equality: That dimension of equality which is related
to the right of equality of members of society in the political
sphere, is called 'political equality'. In democratic systems,
conferring equal citizenship to all members of society in usual
practice, is included in 'political equality'. Similarly, 'political
equality' advocates many rights in order to enable citizens to
participate in activities encouraging their own progress and affairs
of the state. Such rights include free movement, freedom of
thought and expression, freedom of religious faith, etc. Under
political equality, all citizens are provided equal opportunities
without discrimination, in various state services (police,
administration, education, health, etc.). Proper and equitable
distribution of state resources also comes under political equality.
Yes, political equality is necessary for establishment of an
equitable society, because without political equality, the objective
of attaining social and economic equality cannot be fulfilled.
Q.6. In which ways can social equality be established?
Ans. Social equality can be established in the following ways:
(i) Development of the feeling of Fraternity in Society: By
developing the feeling of fraternity among different members of
society, an equtable society can be established to a great extent.
This will bring different classes and members of society closer,
and jealousy and animosity will be eliminated.
(ii) Ending Social Ills: Of the most formidable obstacles in the path
of establishing social equality, social ills are the major one. These
harmful customs and traditions have encouraged unjust treatment
of different classes of society. For example: Untouchability and
differentiation on basis of social status are some of such harmful
customs. Thus, it is very important to eliminate such evil
practices.
(iii) Practical Implementation of Laws: Laws related to social
equality are in place in most systems, but they are not adhered to
in practice. Because of this also, social equality is not established.
Thus, in order to establish social equality the existing laws should
also be implemented in practice.
Q.7. Which kind of changes does the Marxist ideology seek to
bring in context of 'economic equality'?
Ans. In relation to 'economic equality' Marxism was founded in the
19th century. Marxists believe 'economic inequality' to be the root
cause of all inequalities in society. Thus, Marxists want to
establish collective ownership over wealth and resources (water,
forests, land or oil, etc.) after removing the ownership of some
people over these. Marxists are of the view that by doing this, the
discrimination between the rich and poor in society can be
eliminated. Marxists believe that by removing this discrimination
and difference, 'economic equality' can be established. Marxists
also believe that economic inequalities also encourage various
social inequalities like social status, privileges, etc. Hence, it is by
bringing in economic equality, that an equitable society can be
created. marxists also advocate equal opportunities for all in order
to realise economic equality. Marxists believe it necessary to
effect and ascertain public control over various important
resources and property, for establishment of economic equality.
Q.8. Elucidate the opposing views of liberal principles related to
'equality'.
Ans. In context to the concept of 'equality' mutually opposing
views are found in liberalism. on one hand, liberals speak of state
intervention in providing a definite, minimum standard of living for
all, while on the other hand they wish to maintain a competitive
ambience in society. They do not accept state intervention in this
competition. Thus, here, a paradox arises whether state should or
should not intervene in the activities of society, the wide
difference of inequality will remain. Liberals hold competition and
contest for appointment to jobs and admission to educational
institutions, to be the only effective way. Here, they do not talk of
equal opportunity for all in education and employment. They
advocate equality only up to the extent of making everyone
capable of competition. Thus, liberals favour equality, and also
encourage inequality.
Q.9. As a means of encouraging equality, analyse 'establishment
of formal equality'.
Ans. Establishment of formal equality is an important and effective
means for encouraging equality. In order to establish equality, it is
first of all imperative that the formal system of inequality and
privileges prevalent in society must be eliminated. The certain
customs and legal provisions of social, economic and political
inequalities have been preservest in all countries of the world.
Such customs and provisions can be eliminated by establishing
formal equality. Through this device, the constitution and laws of
the country formally prohibit various inequalities. For example, the
Indian constitution formally declared the end of untouchability.
This lends legal sanction to end the inequality practised in form of
untouchability. Thus, the constitution, laws and various provisions
establish 'formal equality' which is the first and important step in
establishing equality.
Q.10. How is equality established through 'differential treatment'?
Ans. Equality can also be established through differential
treatment (Appropriate discrimination). The reason for this is, that
in order to ensure enjoyment of equal rights by people, it is
necessary to treat them differently. The basic objective of
'differential behaviour is to available every person equal
opportunities. For example: a disable person will not be able to
climb up a staircase. Thus, if a ramp is built for him in public
buildings, he would like all other people, be able to get his work
done in an office. Thus, such preferential treatment establishes
equal through proper and justified discrimination. If a race is held
between a healthy and a sick person, would it be right? No, infact
the race should be held when the sick person is made healthy by
additional care. Similarly, 'preferential treatment' is also an
effective way of establishing equality in society.
Q.11. Mention socialist ideas in context to be concept of equality.
Ans. The socialist ideology in relation with the concept of equality
emerged significantly in the world in the 19th century. An era of
economic competition and freedom had dawned in the 19th
century. This widened the gap between the rich and the poor to a
great extent. Socialists raised their voice against these very
inequalities. Socialist ideology believes that everyone should have
a right over the various resources and property of the society.
Socialists advocate equitable distribution of all resources in order
to establish equality in society. Socialists support market
economy to a limited extent and they hold government regulation
and control over services such as education, health, etc. Socialist
ideology emphasise 'establishment of equality' more important in
society. For this, limiting freedom is acceptable.
Q.12. What is meant by affirmative action? How far is it useful as
a means of establishing equality in society?
Ans. Meaning of affirmative Action: Taking things forward from
formal equality', the government takes some tangible positive
steps in order to eradicate inequalities and their fromful effects
that have been plaguing society for centuries. These steps are
called 'affirmative action'. Under affirmative action, mostly such
policies are formulated by which the harmful effects of past
inequalities are reduced or eliminated,
For example, the provision of reservations for SC/ST classes in
our country is a kind of affirmative action. Through this provision,
it is attempted to give an equal status to these classes in
mainstream society, that have been exploited for centuries.
Use of affirmative action in establishment of equality: Affirmative
action is a very effective and useful means of establishing equality
in society. Through this, the weak and oppressed classes are
provided special benefits and facilites to make them capable of
bringing development and contribution to the society. Hence, it is
a very useful method.
➡Long Answer Type Questions
Q.1. What do you understand by equality? Describe the different
types of equality.
OR
What is meant by equality? Describe the political, social and
economic dimensions of equality.
OR
What is equality? Clarify the dimensions of equality.
Ans. Equality: Equality is that state in which all individuals are
treated equally in similar circumstances. For the complete
physical and mental development of every person, equality is a
very important right and condition. In political theory 'equality'
does not imply the elimination of all kinds of discrimination and
inequalities. We also accept fair and just discrimination under
equality.
Dimensions of Equality: Different thinkers have discovered three
dimensions of equality:
(i)Political equality
(ii) Social equality
(iii) Economic equality
(i) Political Equality: The equality related to the political aspects of
people in society, is called political equality. Under political
equality, all citizens of the state are provided various political
rights equally. These rights include universal franchise,
fundamental rights, right to form associations, equal citizenship,
etc.
(ii) Economic Equality: The various equal rights and conditions of
a person that are related to economic sphere in society are called
'economic equality'. Under economic equality it is endeavoured to
available all persons equal opportunities of employment in
accordance with their abilities in society. The attempt to bridge the
gap between the rich and the poor is also done under 'economic
equality'.
(iii) Social Equality: Equality of various classes and members of
society in the sphere of social status, customs and traditions is
called social equality. Social equality includes attempts to free
people from social customs, traditions, religion, caste, language,
gender based discriminations.
Q.2. What is feminism? Discuss in detail the feminist ideology
related to equality.
Ans. Feminism: All the political and social ideas which speak of
women's rights, and emphasise equality of men and women, are
collectively called feminism.
Feminist ideology related to Equality: Feminism is a major
principle which advocates equal rights for men and women.
Feminist ideology opposes the various prevalent discriminations
between men and women. Feminists are those men and women
who believe that many of the inequalities we see in society
between men and women are neither natural nor necessary and
can be altered so that both women and men can lead free and
equal lives.
According to feminism, the inequality between men and women is
a result of a patriarchal society. In such a society, women are
considered work and dependent, whereas men are thought of as
powerful, capable and provider of shelter. Feminists attempt to
differentiate between the physical differences between men and
women, and the role of women in society in order to end this
discrimination. Their argument is that it is natural for a human to
be born male or female, but society is formed and moulded by the
way we see men and women in certain social roles. Thus, in this
way feminists tell us that the greater part of men-women
inequality has been created by society and not by nature.
It is the view of feminists that society has created differences in
roles played by men and women domestic and non-domestic
spheres. Hence this inequality ought to be eliminated and women
should get full opportunity to participate in social, economic and
political activities and functions along with men.
Q.3. Which methods are used by the government to promote
equality? Explain in detail.
Ans. In present era, the government uses many methods to
promote equality. The most important of these are:
(i)establishement of formal equality.
(ii) Differential treatment and
(iii) Affirmative action. These are described below:
(i) Establishment of formal Equality : Government can also
promote equality through formal equality. In this, various
inequalities are legally abolished by the constitution and the laws
of the country. This accelerates the removal of inequalities in
practice. For instance: The law prohibiting 'Sati practice' ended
the inhuman discrimination against women. Today, this custom is
no more. Hence, undoubtedly, the first step towards ending
inequalities is the establishment of 'formal equality'.
(ii) Differential Treatment: The second major method to promote
equality is the government policies that involve fair and just
discrimination. These come under 'differential treatment. In this,
certain special facilities and relaxations are given to weak,
deprived classed in order to bring in quality, so that they may also
avail the benefits of developmental opportunities, in the same way
as other people do. For example, setting up separate special
schools for the deaf and dumb, is a kind of differential treatment,
so that they may also be educated and made capable like other
educated people.
(iii) Affirmative Action: Tangible steps taken by government are
termed as positive action. Certain special policies can be made to
lend the very backward, exploited and oppressed classes an
equal status in society, by the government such as the
reservation policy in India is a affirmative action in context of such
type of classes.
Q.4. Describe the socialist ideas of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia
related to the concept of equality.
Ans. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia's Socialist ideas related to Equality:
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia is a prominent socialist thinker and
freedom fighter of India. he funded the combined socialist part. He
identified inequalities in society and advocated struggle against
them in order to establish equality in society. He identified five
types of inequalities. These were:
(i) male-female inequality
(ii) Colour-based inequality
(iii) Caste-based inequality
(iv) Economic inequality
(v) Colonial rule of some countries over others.
Dr. Lohia described the above five inequalities to be the biggest
obstacles in the path of establishing equality in society. He
exhorted people to collectively struggle against these five
inequalities. It was Lohia's belief that each of these inequalities
has separate roots, and struggle against them should be mode
separately but collectively. His struggle against these five
inequalities meant 'five revolutions'. Later, he added two more
revolutions in the list. These were:
(i) Revolution for civil liberties against unjsut encroachments on
private life (ii) Revolution for non-violence. Thus, the seven
revolutions against these seven inequalities are called his
idealogy of 'Sapta Kranti'. According to Lohia, these seven
revolutions are themselves the ideal of socialism. Thus, Lohia's
socialist ideology related to equality, oppose inequalities and
advocate the seven revolution against them. These are relevant
even today to a larger extent.