Social equality
Topic: Equality and Social Justice · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 3 "Equality"
Meaning
Social equality means fair and equal chances for all groups in society. To secure it, the state reduces social and economic inequalities and makes sure everyone has minimum conditions of life: health care, education, enough food and a minimum wage. It also means ending discriminatory customs that hold groups back, especially women. It goes further than political equality, because the vote alone cannot remove these barriers.
Example
For a long time, Hindu daughters did not have equal rights with sons in family property. The Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act 2005 and the Supreme Court's judgment in Vineeta Sharma (2020) gave daughters equal rights as coparceners (joint heirs). This removed a custom that blocked social equality.
Don't confuse with
- Political equality: this means equal citizenship rights such as voting and free speech. Social equality is about real chances and minimum conditions in daily life.
- Social exclusion: this is the problem of groups being shut out of society. Social equality is the goal.