Equality
(BA – 1st Semester, Political Science Notes)
1. Meaning & Definition
Equality means absence of special privileges and the provision of equal rights, status, and
opportunities to all individuals. It does not mean sameness, since people differ in abilities,
but it means fairness and justice in treatment.
• Aristotle: Justice is giving equals what is equal and unequals what is unequal.
• Rousseau: 'Man is born free but everywhere he is in chains.' → Society creates artificial
inequalities.
• Karl Marx: Equality is the abolition of class distinctions; true equality is possible only in a
classless society.
• Harold Laski: Equality is not identity of treatment but equal opportunity for development.
2. Importance of Equality (Brief)
Equality is important because it ensures fairness and justice in society. It protects human
dignity, prevents exploitation, and makes liberty meaningful for all. Without equality,
democracy would collapse into privilege and domination.
3. Types of Equality (Brief)
1. Natural Equality – All human beings are born equal in basic worth, though differences in
abilities exist.
2. Social Equality – No discrimination based on caste, class, race, gender, or religion; equal
respect in society.
3. Civil Equality – Equal rights in law such as marriage, property, and legal protection.
4. Political Equality – Equal right to vote, contest elections, and participate in governance.
5. Economic Equality – Fair distribution of wealth and opportunities; reducing poverty and
extreme inequalities.
6. Legal Equality – Equality before law and equal protection of laws; no one above law.
4. Philosophers on Equality
• Aristotle – Proportional equality; justice means fairness based on merit.
• Thomas Hobbes – In the state of nature, all men are equal in power and vulnerability;
equality creates competition and conflict.
• Rousseau – Advocated natural equality; condemned property and social inequality.
• Karl Marx – Criticized capitalism for economic inequality; real equality possible only in a
classless, communist society.
• J.S. Mill – Advocated equality of opportunity, supported women’s suffrage.
• T.H. Green – Positive equality: state should provide conditions (education, health, jobs).
• John Rawls – Justice as fairness; 'Difference Principle' allows inequality only if it benefits
the least advantaged.
• Amartya Sen – Equality of capabilities, not just resources or welfare.
5. Why Equalize?
• To prevent exploitation and domination.
• To ensure liberty is real for everyone.
• To promote social peace and stability.
• To guarantee justice and fairness in society.
• To empower marginalized sections.
6. Equality of What?
• Equality of Welfare – Equal happiness/satisfaction.
• Equality of Resources (Dworkin) – Equal access to resources.
• Equality of Capabilities (Amartya Sen) – True equality lies in real ability to achieve valued
goals (health, education, participation).
• Equality of Rights – Equal political and legal rights.
• Equality of Primary Goods (Rawls) – Equal access to liberties, rights, and opportunities.
7. Equality of Opportunity vs. Equality of Outcome
• Equality of Opportunity – Same starting line (education, jobs, voting). Example:
scholarships, reservations.
• Equality of Outcome – Ensures similar results by reducing extreme inequalities. Example:
redistribution of wealth.
Modern democracies balance both by ensuring fair opportunity and reducing outcome
inequality.
8. Equality in Indian Constitution
• Article 14 – Equality before law.
• Article 15 – No discrimination on religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth.
• Article 16 – Equality of opportunity in public employment.
• Article 17 – Abolition of untouchability.
• Article 18 – Abolition of titles.
• Article 38 – State to secure social, economic, political justice.
• Article 39 – Equal pay for equal work, fair distribution of wealth.
• Article 46 – Promote educational and economic interests of SCs/STs.
9. Conclusion
Equality is not sameness, but fairness and justice. It ensures that liberty is meaningful,
democracy is real, and dignity is universal. From Aristotle’s proportional justice to Sen’s
capability approach, equality has evolved as a guiding principle of social and political life.
The Indian Constitution guarantees equality through fundamental rights and social justice
provisions. Thus, equality is both a moral ideal and a democratic necessity.
