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Meaning and Aspects of Equality:
- The term “equality” originates from words like aequalis, aequus, and aequalitas, which mean “even,” “level,” and “equal.” In political science, equality does not imply uniformity, identity, or sameness. Instead, it emphasizes fairness and justice.
- Coherence of Ideas: According to Prof. Harold Laski, equality means maintaining coherence in the treatment of different individuals. When distributing privileges, justice and reason must prevail, ensuring that no one feels neglected or deprived. Privileges should contribute to individual personality development.
- Absence of Special Privileges: Equality involves the absence of undue advantages. Individuals’ claims for privileges are logical and legitimate if they contribute to their personal development. Deliberate deprivation violates equality.
- Adequate Opportunities: Privileges provided by authorities must be adequate. Adequacy varies based on individual needs, but the state must have the capability to provide opportunities.
Theories and Perspectives on Equality:
- Equal Consideration: Equality demands that all human beings deserve equal consideration and respect due to their common humanity.
- Moral Equality: Focuses on treating individuals equally in moral terms.
- Political Equality: Ensures equal participation in political processes, such as voting and representation.
- Substantive Equality: Goes beyond formal equality to address social and economic disparities.
Egalitarianism:
- Egalitarianism advocates for reducing artificial and discriminatory inequalities while accepting natural differences.
- It stands for socio-economic and political equality within society.
Challenges and Controversies:
- Determining what constitutes “adequate” opportunities remains subjective.
- Providing privileges depends on the ruling party’s mentality and the country’s resources.
In summary, equality is a fundamental value that upholds fairness, justice, and individual dignity in political systems. 🌟🤝
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B.A Political Science