TS Inter 1st Year Political Science Study Material Chapter 4 Political Concepts (page3)

3. Equality

Long Answer Questions

Question 1.

Define the term Equality? Write about different kinds of Equality.

Answer:

Meaning and explanation of Equality :
The concept of Equality is of great significance in the study of political science. The term ‘Equality’ became an important slogan and inspired the people of France, America, Russia and India during their struggle for freedom and independence.
Ther term “Equality” implies absolute equality of treatment.
In Political science, the term ‘Equality’ refers to a state which grants its citizens equality before the law and equal opportunities to develop their personality. But it may be noted that individuals are not equal in many respects. While some of them are strong, some others may be weak. Similarly some are more intelligent than others. In this way, men differ in many respects. Hence, equality of treatment is not possible. In other words, it implies that state should grant to its citizens equality before law and equal protection by law.
Definitions :
1.“Equality means first of all the absence of special privilege. In the second place “It means that adequate opportunities are laid open to all”. – H.J. Laski
2.“Equality implies equal rights for all the people and abolition of special rights and privileges”. – Barker
Types of Equality :
There are many types of equality. They may be analysed in the following.

1. Social Equality :
   Social equality stands for equality of status and absence of class distinctions and discrimination. It exists when no individual is made to suffer on account of his caste, class, colour, creed, race etc. For instance, the constitution of India does not recognize caste or class distinctions. In fact it has opposed the practice of untouchability. When all citizens enjoy social equality, there will be no discrimination against anyone on the grounds of caste, class, colour, creed, race and place of birth and legal rights. Social equality cannot be achieved only through laws. There must prevail a sentiment of equality among individuals. The following elements help in achieving and maintaining social equality.
   1.Special privileges should not be allowed by the state to any citizen.
   2.The government shall adopt and implement a uniform policy in the fields of education, employment, administration and legislation.
   3.People must have a broad outlook with the qualities of tolerance, sacrifice, honesty etc., in social and religious affairs.
   4.Citizens of a state should maintain harmonious relations with their fellow citizens.
   5.People should not use their name of the caste, sect or religion at the time of forwarding petitions.
   6.Inter caste marriages should be encouraged.
2. Economic equality :
   This kind of equality is a precondition for the enjoyment of social and political equalities. Its absence leads to several social and political problems. Economic equality does not mean equal distribution of social wealth among all the people. It only means the elimination of inequalities in wealth, income and property. The basic needs like food, shelter and clothing must be available to all. In the opinion of Laski, “Economic equality means the abolition of unfettered and irresponsible will in the industrial world”. In Barker’s view, “Economic equality is partly a matter of status and partly a matter of property and income”.

Question 2.

What is equality? Explain its characteristic features.

Answer:

Meaning and explanation of Equality: The concept of Equality is of great significance in the study of political science. The term ‘Equality1 became an important slogan and inspired the people of France, Ameri ca, Russia and India during their struggle for freedom and independence.
The term “Equality” implies absolute equality of treatment.

In Political science, the term .’Equality’ refers to a state which grants its citizens equality before the law and equal opportunities to develop their personality. But it may be noted that individuals are not equal in many respects. While some of them are strong, some others may be weak. Similarly some are more intelligent than others. In this way, men differ in many respects. Hence, equality of treatment is not possible. In other words, it implies that state should grant to its citizens equality before law and equal protection by law.
Essential Features of Equality:

1. Equality as a Claim of Right :
   Equality is a prescriptive term, not a descriptive one. We argue that human beings must be treated as equal, not that they are in fact equal. Equality aims at in the base of social benefits lest these benefits are cornered by a small and vocal minority impoverishing the rest of the community.
2. Equality as a Modem Idea :
   Large inequalities of wealth, prestige and power have always remained prominent and almost universal features of social structure throughout human history. With beginning of scientific age, men learned to control natural phenomenon by rational and empirical knowledge of nature. This paved the way for removing such social inequalities as were not reasonable and which were also removable by human effort.
3. Equality as an Idea of Social Change :
   With advance of scientific knowledge and technology, more and tore areas of natural inequality are coming within the alterable sphere. We know that health and bodily strength can be improved by proper nutrition, mental-make-up can be considerably developed by proper education and training. But availability of these benefits to an individual is dependent on his socio-economic status.
4. Essential for Social Justice and Liberty :
   Equality is essential for social justice. Equality is closely connected with liberty. This is due to the fact that without liberty people cannot have equality. Liberty remains insignificant in the absence of equality.
5. Social distinctions can be based only upon public utility :
   Unequal treatment would not be resented in society unless the more gifted persons employ their natural qualities to exploit others. And also, so long as authority and division of labour are based on rational grounds, inequality of status and position does not become objectionable. Inequality is not an issue so long as authority is exercised in the general interest of the society.
6. Equality does not imply literal Equality :
   It means equality of opportunities. Equality demands a progressive reduction of inequalities where they are thought to be unreasonable., It does not imply literal equalization. It implies giving equality of opportunities for the development of personal qualities and capacities. It does not mean ‘equality of outcome’.

Short Answer Questions

Question 1.

Explain any three characteristic features of equality.

Answer:

Meaning and explanation of Equality: The concept of Equality is of great significance in the study of political science. The term ‘Equality1 became an important slogan and inspired the people of France, America, Russia and India during their struggle for freedom and independence.
The term “Equality” implies absolute equality of treatment.

In Political science, the term .’Equality’ refers to a state which grants its citizens equality before the law and equal opportunities to develop their personality. But it may be noted that individuals are not equal in many respects. While some of them are strong, some others may be weak. Similarly some are more intelligent than others. In this way, men differ in many respects. Hence, equality of treatment is not possible. In other words, it implies that state should grant to its citizens equality before law and equal protection by law.

Essential Features of Equality:

1. Equality as a Claim of Right :
   Equality is a prescriptive term, not a descriptive one. We argue that human beings must be treated as equal, not that they are in fact equal. Equality aims at ig the base of social benefits lest these benefits are cornered by a small and vocal minority impoverishing the rest of the community.
2. Equality as a Modem Idea :
   Large inequalities of wealth, prestige and power have always remained prominent and almost universal features of social structure throughout human history. With beginning of scientific age, men learned to control natural phenomenon by rational and empirical knowledge of nature. This paved the way for removing such social inequalities as were not reasonable and which were also removable by human effort.
3. Equality as an Idea of Social Change :
   With advance of scientific knowledge and technology, more and tore areas of natural inequality are coming within the alterable sphere. We know that health and bodily strength can be improved by proper nutrition, mental-make-up can be considerably developed by proper education and training. But availability of these benefits to an individual is dependent on his socio-economic status.
4. Essential for Social Justice and Liberty :
   Equality is essential for social justice. Equality is closely connected with liberty. This is due to the fact that without liberty people cannot have equality. Liberty remains insignificant in the absence of equality.
5. Social distinctions can be based only upon public utility :
   Unequal treatment would not be resented in society unless the more gifted persons employ their natural qualities to exploit others. And also, so long as authority and division of labour are based on rational grounds, inequality of status and position does not become objectionable. Inequality is not an issue so long as authority is exercised in the general interest of the society.
6. Equality does not imply literal Equality :
   It means equality of opportunities. Equality demands a progressive reduction of inequalities where they are thought to be unreasonable., It does not imply literal equalization. It implies giving equality of opportunities for the development of personal qualities and capacities. It does not mean ‘equality of outco

Question 2.

Explain any three kinds of equality.

Answer:

Definitions :

1.“Equality means first of all the absence of special privilege. In the second place “It means that adequate opportunities are laid open to all”: – H.J.Laski
2.“Equality implies equal rights for all the people and abolition of special rights and privileges”. – Barker
Types of Equality :
There are many types of equality. They may be analysed in the following. ,.

1. Natural equality :
   This kind of equality existed in the “State of Nature”. It is based on the principle that nature has created everyone as equal. But natural equality exists no where in the world. Nature has not created all people with the same qualities. So by natural equality we generally mean the provision of equal opportunities to all. It implies the abolition of man-made and artificial inequalities.
2. Social equality :
   Social equality stands for equality of status and absence of class distinctions and discrimination. It exists when no individual is made to suffer on account of his caste, class, colour, creed, race etc. For instance, the constitution of India does not reconize caste or class distinctions. In fact it has opposed the practice of untouchability. When all citizens enjoy social equality, there will be no discrimination against anyone on the grounds of caste, class, colour, creed, race and place of birth and legal rights. Social equality cannot be achieved only through laws. There must prevail a sentiment of equality among individuals. The following elements help in achieving and maintaining social equality.
   1.Special privileges should not be allowed by the state to any citizen.
   2.The government shall adopt and implement a uniform policy in the fields of education, employment, administration and legislation.
   3.People must have a broad outlook with the qualities of tolerance, sacrifice, honesty etc., in social and religious affairs.
   4.Citizens of a state should maintain harmonious relations with their fellow citizens.
   5.People should not use their name of the caste, sector religion at the time of forwarding petitions.
   6.Inter caste marriages should be encouraged.
3. Economic equality :
   This kind of equality is a precondition for the enjoyment of social and political equalities. Its absence leads to several social and political problems. Economic equality does not mean equal distribution of social wealth among all the people. It only means the elimination’ of inequalities in wealth, income and property. The basic needs like food, shelter and clothing must be available to all. In the opinion of Laski, “Economic equality means the abolition of unfettered and irresponsible will in the industrial world”. In Barker’s view, “Economic equality is partly a matter of status and partly a matter of property and income”.
4. Political equality :
   Political equality is an important land of equality. It means that all citizens will have equal access to the avenues of authority. All of them possess the same political rights, an equal voice in government and equal right to hold public offices. It may be noted that political equality is enjoyed by the Citizens only. It is not given to aliens and foreign nationals living in a state. Citizens have to utilise the opportunities given by political equality with great case, farsighted outlook and broad-mindedness. Then only political equality brings the required fruits. Then only political equality brings the required fruits. Political equality prevails and flourishes when all citizens were provided with political rights like Right to vote, Right to contest elections, Right to make petitions and Right fb criticism. That means political equality flourishes only in democratic countries.
5. International equality :
   International equality means that all the states are treated equally irrespective of their geographical, economic or military composition. According to this element all nations of the world are equal whether they are large or small. For instance, the United Nations have extended equal dignity and status to all the nations in its Charter. International Equality reflects the traits of humanism. It emphasizes the peaceful settlement of disputes between the nations. Some cautioned about the occurrence of Third World War in the absence of respect to international law. They expressed apprehensions thinking that human beings will go back to the stone ages.

Question 3.

Explain origin and significance of Equality.

Answer:

Meaning and explanation of Equality :
The concept of Equality is of great significance in the study of political science. The term ‘Equality1 became an important slogan and inspired the people of France, Ameri ca, Russia and India during their struggle for freedom and independence.
The term “Equality” implies absolute equality of treatment.
In Political science, the term .’Equality’ refers to a state which grants its citizens equality before the law and equal opportunities to develop their personality. But it may be noted that individuals are not equal in many respects. While some of them are strong, some others may be weak. Similarly some are more intelligent than others. In this way, men differ in many respects. Hence, equality of treatment is not possible. In other words, it implies that state should grant to its citizens equality before law and equal protection by law.

Essential Features of Equality:

1. Equality as a Claim of Right :
   Equality is a prescriptive term, not a descriptive one. We argue that human beings must be treated as equal, not that they are in fact equal. Equality aims at ig the base of social benefits lest these benefits are cornered by a small and vocal minor ity impoverishing the rest of the community.
2. Equality as a Modem Idea :
   Large inequalities of wealth, prestige and power have always remained prominent and almost universal features of social structure throughout human history. With beginning of scientific age, men learned to control natural phenomenon by rational and empirical knowledge of nature. This paved the way for removing such social inequalities as were not reasonable and which were also removable by human effort.
3. Equality as an Idea of Social Change :
   With advance of scientific knowledge and technology, more and tore areas of natural inequality are coming within the alterable sphere. We know that health and bodily strength can be improved by proper nutrition, mental-make-up can be considerably developed by proper education and training. But availability of these benefits to an individual is dependent on his socio-economic status.
4. Essential for Social Justice and Liberty :
   Equality is essential for social justice. Equality is closely connected with liberty. This is due to the fact that without liberty people cannot have equality. Liberty remains insignificant in the absence of equality.
5. Social distinctions can be based only upon public utility :
   Unequal treatment would not be resented in society unless the more gifted persons employ their natural qualities to exploit others. And also, so long as authority and division of labour are based on rational grounds, inequality of status and position does not become objectionable. Inequality is not an issue so long as authority is exercised in the general interest of the society.
6. Equality does not imply literal Equality :
   It means equality of opportunities. Equality demands a progressive reduction of inequalities where they are thought to be unreasonable., It does not imply literal equalization. It implies giving equality of opportunities for the development of personal qualities and capacities. It does not mean ‘equality of outcome’.
   
   

Very Short Answer Questions

Question 1.

What is legal Equality?

Answer:

Civil equality implies availability of civil rights without any discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, creed, place of birth, religion and sex. When all citizens are subject to the same law and when law neither confers special privileges on some nor makes any individual suffers owing to his social status, religious beliefs, political views, race or caste etc., there exists civil and legal equality. In a society civil equality is said to prevail when there is equality before law and equal protection of laws. This civil and legal equality emerged in modem times with adoption of democracy.

Question 2.

What is Economic Equality?

Answer:

Economic equality :
This kind of equality is a precondition for the enjoyment of social and political equalities. Its absence leads to several social and political problems. Economic equality does not mean equal distribution of social wealth among all the people. It only means the elimination of inequalities in wealth, income and property. The basic needs like food, shelter and clothing must be available to all. In the opinion of Laski, “Economic equality means the abolition of unfettered and irresponsible will in the industrial world”. In Barker’s view, “Economic equality is partly a matter of status and partly a matter of property and income”.

Question 3.

What is. Political Equality?

Answer:

Political equality :
Political equality is an important kind of equality. It means that all citizens will have equal access to the avenues of authority. All of them possess the same political rights, an equal voice in government and equal right to hold public offices. It may be noted that political equality is enjoyed by the citizens only. It is not given to aliens and foreign nationals living in a state. Citizens have to utilise the opportunities given by political equality with great case, farsighted outlook and broad-mindedness.
Then only political . equality brings the required fruits. Then only political equality brings the required fruits. Political equality prevails and flourishes when all citizens were provided with political rights like Right to vote, Right to contest elections, Right to make petitions and Right to criticism. That means political equality flourishes only in democratic countries.

Question 4.

Equality and Social change.

Answer:

Equality as an idea of Social Change :
With advance of scientific knowledge and technology, more and more areas of natural inequality are coming tvithin the alterable sphere. We know that health and bodily strength can be improved by proper nutrition, mental-make-up can be considerably developed by proper education and training. But availability of these benefits to an individual is dependent on his socio-economic status.

Question 5.

What is International Equality?

Answer:

International equality :

International equality means that all the states are treated equally irrespective of their geographical, economic or military composition. According to this element all nations of the world are equal whether they are large or small. For instance, the United Nations have extended equal dignity and status to all the nations in its charter. International Equality reflects the traits of humanism. It emphasizes the peaceful settlement of disputes between the nations. Some cautiofted about the occurrence of Third World War in the absence of respect to international law. They expressed apprehensions thinking that human beings will go back to the stone ages.

Question 6.

What is Social Equality?

Answer:

Social equality :

Social equality stands for equality of status and absence of class distinctions and discrimination. It exists when no individual is made to .suffer on account of his caste, class, colour, creed, race etc. For instance, the constitution of India does not recognize caste or class distinctions. In fact it has opposed the practice of untouchability. When all citizens enjoy social equality, there will be no discrimination against anyone on the grounds of caste, class, colour, creed, race and place of birth and legal rights. Social equality cannot be achieved only through laws. There must prevail a sentiment of equality among individuals. The following elements help in achieving and maintaining.social equality.
1.Special privileges should not be allowed by the state to any citizen.
2.The government shall adopt and implement a uniform policy in the fields of education, employment, administration and legislation.
3.People must have a broad outlook with the qualities of tolerance, sacrifice, honesty etc., in social and religious affairs.
4.Citizens of a state should maintain harmonious relations With their fellow citizens.
5.People should not use their name of the caste, sect or religion at the time of forwarding petitions.
6.Inter caste marriages should be encouraged.

Question 7.

How Equality is essential for Liberty?

Answer:

Equality is essential for Liberty: Equality does not mean identical treatment which is impossible in a civil society. It means equality under similar conditions. In a civil society, some persons may not have equal status with others. But it is necessary to provide some conditions and opportunities for the people to develop their status and personality. It may be said that when all people are equal, the fruits of liberty is available to all.
In this “way liberty and equality are complementary to each other. These two concepts are so inter related that they have common objective. If liberty disregards equality, it would lead to anarchy and dictatorship. In the same way, if equality keeps itself away from liberty, it would lead to slavery. Both the ideals are essential for the betterment of the individual and the society.

Question 8.

How Liberty is essential for Equality?

Answer:

Liberty is essential for equality:
a) Liberty does not mean absolute freedom. It has some limitations. It is available to ‘ all for achieving social welfare under certain conditions.
b) Liberty cannot be treated as the monopoly of a person or a group of persons.
c) Enj oyment of liberty by a person does not affect the same of others. If one recognizes this principle, he has to respect the principle of equality. It means that the fruits of liberty are found in the branches of the tree of equality. So, liberty and equality are complementary to each other. When liberty is extended to all the people on the principles of equality, the goal of liberty could be fulfilled in the true sense.

Question 9.

What is Equality of opportunity?

Answer:

The idea of equality refers to the equality of rights and opportunities.

1. Harold Laski, in his book, ‘A Grammar of Politics’, mentioned that Equality implies fundamentally a leveling process.
2. According to Barker, equality implies “Equal rights for all the people and abolition of all special rights and privileges”.