3.2. what is Equality?

Take a look at these images.

COLOURED

SERVED

IN

REAR

DRINKING

FOUNTAIN

WHITE

COLOURED

REST

ROOMS

WHITE

ONLY

All of them make distinctions between human beings on grounds of race and colour and these appear to most of us as unacceptable. In fact, such distinctions violate our intuitive understanding of equality which tells us that all human beings should be entitled to the same respect and consideration because of their common humanity.

This chunk introduces the idea that certain practices or policies that discriminate based on race are fundamentally wrong and violate our sense of equality. Equality suggests that all individuals, regardless of their race or background, deserve the same respect and consideration. The usage of discriminatory signs highlights unacceptable behaviors which contradict the premise of equality.

Imagine two friends who want to play basketball together but only one is allowed to use the basketball because of the color of their jersey. This situation would seem unfair to anyone watching because the color of the jersey shouldn't dictate who gets to play.

However, treating people with equal respect need not mean always treating them in an identical way. No society treats all its members in exactly the same way under all conditions. The smooth functioning of society requires division of work and functions and people often enjoy different status and rewards on account of it. At times these differences of treatment may appear acceptable or even necessary. For instance, we usually do not feel that giving prime ministers, or army generals, a special official rank and status goes against the notion of equality, provided their privileges are not misused.

This chunk explains the complexity of equality in practice. While we strive for equal respect for all individuals, it does not always translate to treating everyone the same way. Different roles in society may require different treatments; hence some inequalities may be acceptable. For example, officials might have certain privileges due to their roles, which is acceptable as long as these privileges are not abused.

Think of a school where the principal has a bigger office and more privileges to make decisions than students. This does not mean the students are less valuable; it reflects the necessary structure for a school to function well.

However, some other kinds of inequalities may seem unjust. For instance, if a child born in a slum is denied nutritious food or good education through no fault of his/her own, it may appear unfair to us.

This chunk highlights the distinction between acceptable and unacceptable inequalities. While some inequalities in status due to roles may be justified, inequalities arising from circumstances like poverty are seen as unfair and unjust. It emphasizes that equal opportunities should be provided to all individuals to ensure a fair society.

Imagine two children wanting to play soccer after school. One child has access to all the training facilities and coaching, while the other has none due to living in a slum. It's unfair because their opportunities for success are drastically different.

The concept of equality implies that all people, as human beings, are entitled to the same rights and opportunities to develop their skills and talents, and to pursue their goals and ambitions. This means that in a society people may differ with regard to their choices and preferences. They may also have different talents and skills which results in some being more successful in their chosen careers than others.

This chunk emphasizes that equality should ensure that every individual has the same rights and chances to develop their abilities. It acknowledges that while people may naturally have different talents and choose different paths, they should not be denied opportunities based on circumstances like birth or social status.

Consider two students in a class who want to be artists. If one comes from a wealthy family that can afford classes, while the other cannot, the first student has a better chance of succeeding merely because of their economic status, which is unjust.

A distinction has sometimes been made in political theory between natural inequalities and socially-produced inequalities. Natural inequalities are those that emerge between people as a result of their different capabilities and talents. These kinds of inequalities are different from socially-produced inequalities which emerge as a consequence of inequalities of opportunity or the exploitation of some groups in a society by others.

In this chunk, we learn the difference between natural inequalities, which are based on inherent skills or capabilities, and socially-produced inequalities that arise from societal structures and injustices. Understanding these distinctions is crucial to addressing and correcting unfair forms of inequality.

Imagine two athletes competing. One may naturally be faster due to genetics, while another may struggle to access training due to socio-economic barriers. The difference in their success doesn't imply that one's natural advantage is unjust but that unequal opportunities create an unfair playing field.

Some differences which could be considered natural need no longer be seen as unalterable. For instance, advances in medical science and technologies have helped many disabled people to function effectively in society. Today, computers can help blind people, wheelchairs and artificial limbs can help in cases of physical disability.

This chunk discusses how societal advancements have changed our perceptions of 'natural' inequalities. Many conditions that were once viewed as limiting can now be managed or improved with technology, suggesting that we should not accept all differences as fixed or unchangeable.

Consider how technology has enabled people with disabilities to participate in society more fully. For example, specialized software allows someone with vision impairment to read and access digital information just like anyone else.

Given all these complexities, it would be difficult to use the natural/socially-produced distinction as a standard by which the laws and policies of a society can be assessed. For this reason, many theorists today differentiate between inequality arising from our choices and inequalities operating on account of the family or circumstance in which a person is born.

This chunk highlights the challenges in using the distinction between natural and social inequalities to guide legal or policy decisions. It suggests a different approach by focusing on the choices individuals make versus the circumstances they are born into, advocating that inequalities based on the latter should be addressed.

Consider how two kids may have differing life outcomes based on their upbringings. One child grew up in wealth and had every educational opportunity, while the other grew up in poverty. The second child may struggle irrespective of their personal abilities, which points to the need for societal intervention.

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