Economic equality can be identified by an individual’s income and the value of the property, he possesses in society. Otherwise, the gap between rich people community and poor may indicate the status of economic equality.
Further, by calculating the number of people under the poverty line, we may draw strong inferences and resolutions. This kind of identification is widespread among all nations.
But certain discriminations on the basis of culture and history along with some habitual practices may create precarious issues in the concerned society. Radical reformers during different phases of history have made wide awareness about these untoward and unethical happenings to the people.
“Humans respected on the basis of caste which he belongs to, is barbarian and anti-human thinking”, exclaimed E.V.Ramaswamy alias Periyar in Tamilnadu. He outrightly condemned the cultural practices, habitual follow-ups, and other so-called values which refute equality in all its aspects.
Periyar also was against “Patriarchal Chauvinism” which subjugated women all along with history. That society is best which got rid of caste, religion, gender, and suppressive habitual practices”, lamented Periyar.
Modern society cannot be sanctified by the people who cling towards the language and discriminatory cultural practices. Apart from Periyar, various saints, seers, and philosophers took strenuous efforts to have an egalitarian society.
People who enjoyed all kind of privileges on the basis of dynasty, birth, and descent so far has to come to end. Determining an individual’s capacity in accordance with birth is the primary and precarious feature of an unequal society.
All are equal and an individual’s capacity, if decided on the basis of merit, is the first step towards an equal society. So far, a number of modern nations refused to provide voting rights for poor people.
There are nations that restrict women’s education and public offices in the 21st century. In India, lower strata people are permitted to work only in clerical and other benefitless offices.
They were not permitted to occupy higher positions, because of their caste identity. Individuals and organizations for the past centuries made onerous efforts to curb out in equal menace from the society.
There are some human communities that need special attention since they were totally ignored and exploited by the upper strata people. Truthful equality can be identified only on those rare occasions. Injustices unleashed in the past must be identified to know what real or fair equality is.
The reservation policy is a good initiative on the part of the government in delivering equal justice. People, who were denied education and employment opportunities so far, were provided with reservations for uplifting the condition and status.
Discriminatory practices which were followed for a long time in the historical phases may not be curbed out in a short span. Expecting the change within one or two generations is a utopian faith, stated researchers.
If reforms happened in a short time, it will be a good sign for the development of the entire nation.
Social Justice and Equality
All civilizations were equipped with the awareness of their practices. The accepted practices are “Dharma” and the negative is “Adharma”.
Those people who breach these practices will be punished by the king. Mistakes and related punishments are quite natural in all countries. The Greek philosopher Plato and his disciples often debate and discuss justice and its practices.
The discourses and teachings of Socrates consist of anti-justice people and their impact on society. Justice and fairness may do only good things in society. If justice does favor certain individuals, that may not be considered and called justice.
Justice is all about the entire development and advancement of society. Fair justice is applicable to all the people in a society, claimed Socrates. We may infer from the above said arguments that reservation is the fair justice provided to the people, who were hitherto discriminated against and exploited.
