Sep 27 2008
‘Equality’
Let’s talk about equality.
In most ‘modern’ societies there are two recognized theories on what equality is, or rather how equality can be generated, in society. I hope here to give a brief explanation of both theories, thereafter hear back from you guys on what your opinion is on equality.
First lets talk about formal equality. Formal equality theorizes that in order to ensure equality in society you simply need to make sure everyone and everything gets the same treatment. In such a manner woman and men should be treated identical in order to ensure equality. Simply formal equality believes that equal rules are key to true equality!
Substantive equality feels differently however. Substantive equality theorizes that in order to ensure equality you need to make sure everyone is equal by leveling the playing field. The idea is that although equal treatment is eventually necessary as it now stands treating people equally does not acknowledge differences in class, sex, and race in a sense it propagates current societal models that ensure inequality. Simply substantive equality believes that the key is balancing the playing field.
This is just a general explanation of both ideas, as they stand so far how do you feel about them? Are our societies equal?
What do you think?
8 Responses to “‘Equality’”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Not A Member? Register for Free!
That’s a good observation.
I wish it were possible to run things on the equality side, but right now that is just not happening. As Paul said it is the same old deal. The Rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. This has been the way of it for far too long.
http://upstatesc.today.com/
http://usfreeworkfromhome.today.com/
So which type of equality do you feel is right (formal or substantive)?
Who says we need equality in the first place? Our focus on lack of equality simply perpetuates the inequality. The poor condemning the rich and the rich condemning the poor, both are just as evil.
There is enough abundance in the universe for everybody. It is only our attention to lack that creates more of the same. Just as attention to wealth brings more of the same (ie. the rich get richer & the poor get poorer). If the poor, or people seeing things as not equal, would simply focus on prosperity and abundance rather than feeling mistreated, abused, exploited, or “less than,” then truly the rich would get richer and the poor would get richer.
The need for equality is birthed from complaint. Accepting what is and telling an improved story, painting the picture of what you want, rather than saying, “They have more and that is wrong, I should have some of their share, that would be fair” or just as bad, “I have more than them and that is wrong, I feel bad for living such a lavish lifestyle while so many live in poverty, it is truly unfortunate that some live in such horrid conditions” will truly level the playing field.
Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying there aren’t horrible inequalities in the world, and I am quite aware that “the privileged few live at the expense of the impoverished masses,” and it is extremely sad and depressing that some live with such a low standard of living while we have running water and teh interwebs, but I firmly believe it is only our focus on the “lack of” which continues the escalating “inequality.” Which is why I try to focus on what is actually real: Life, love, joy, freedom, growth, expansion, desire.
And to answer the question:
We are already all equal. We are all the same. We are all just in different places, at different times, doing different thing.
“Equality” in the sense of formal or substantive I believe is insignificant, it is just another way to point out that some have and some don’t, thereby creating a bigger gap. “Inequality” is one of many illusions we seem to percieve in this physical existence.
I disagree with you. Although you may be correct that in essence stating inequality creates some inequality a hands off approach is not effective in dealing with these problems. Especially when we consider that the world as we see it in itself has been modified because of equality issues.
It is an important factor to live your life like you are equal, but this alone without proper thought and legislation simply extenuates the problem. Hence why woman were thought of as less for centuries and probably still for years to come.
I agree with you, a hands off approach is not effective in dealing with these problems, and that is not what I was implying. We do need to take action to make the world a more wholesome and equal place, we do need to educate and support those less fortunate.
However, action must be taken to help those seen as having less, but action must be taken out of love, not pity; out of hope, not despair; out of joy, not sadness. If we take action, “because you have less than I” it is furthering the problem even if it is a helpful action because it says “I am helping you because you cannot do this for yourself”. If we take action for the joy of acting and creating and uplifting, I believe that is when true solutions will be obtained. That says, “I am helping you because I feel good when I do it, and I know you are capable of creating whatever it is that you want, you were just asking for a boost in a positive direction.”