(i) Natural Equality considers that all human beings are equal though they differ in inabilities. Every person should get an equal opportunity to develop his/her potential. Early Greek thinkers like Plato and Aristotle did not believe in natural equality. However, thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau explained natural equality in the ‘State of Nature’.
(ii) Social Equality refers to the absence of unreasonable social barriers or discrimination such as those based on race, religion, caste, gender, status, etc. No person must be viewed as superior or inferior merely on the basis of birth, ethnicity, or social position. However, social inequality is prevalent all over the world even today. Legislations, education, and economic progress can help to reduce social inequality for e.g., in India Article 17 of the constitution deals with the abolition of untouchability.
(iii) Civil Equality means that civil rights are equally available to all individuals. There is equality before the law and equal protection of the law. However, special laws made for the protection or upliftment of weaker sections of society such as tribals, backward classes, women, etc., do not violate the principle of equality.
(iv) Political Equality is possible only in a democracy. It refers to the right of citizens to participate in the affairs of the state. It is based on the principle of political participation and Universal Adult Franchise.
(v) Economic Equality – When wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few (economic inequality), then political power and social ranking are also monopolized by them, resulting in exploitation of the underprivileged sections of society. Economic equality does not imply equal distribution of wealth or equal income irrespective of the nature of work.
Economic equality implies the following:
- Reduction in wide disparities of wealth.
- Prevention of concentration of wealth and income in the hands of a few persons.
- Absence of any kind of economic exploitation, denial, or subjugation.
- Availability of essential goods and services i.e. minimum needs must be satisfied first.
- Reasonable economic opportunities for individuals to develop themselves and to progress.
- Adequate scope for work and for decent wages.
