Page 196 - SST Class 07

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Equality

The belief of equality is a major assumption of a to vote. This right is given to all irrespective of
self-governing society. Equality does not entail their religion, race, caste or education. Every
complete equality. Equality originates from citizen whether he/she, rich or poor is allowed to
aequalis, aequus and aequalitas. These are all vote. This is called Universal Adult Franchise
old French or Latin words. These French/Latin which is an essential aspect of all democracies.
words mean even, level and equal. In general Not only this, each citizen shares an equal status
term, equality means full equality of treatment as each of them has a voting right.
and reward for all. It is needed as natural equal-
ity. It is thought that all men are born natural and
free. Nevertheless, despite a strong emotional
appeal to hearts of people, the concept of natural
and absolute equality of all cannot be fully
acknowledged and realised. Men are neither
equal in respect of their physical features nor in
respect of their mental capabilities. Some are
stronger others are weaker and some are more
OTHER KINDS OF EQUALITY
intelligent and capable than others.
There are many people in India who have the
Actually, equality means that all the people must
equal right to vote, but their working and living
have equal opportunities for development. In
conditions indicate gross inequality prevailing in
fact, when we talk about equality of all person,
the society.
we really mean general and fair equality and not
absolute equality. Do you know that caste system is one of the
common forms of inequality in India? In urban
EQUAL RIGHT TO VOTE
India, the caste system has weakened, however,
In a democratic country, like India, all the citizens
who are above the age of 18 years have the right if you live in rural India you will experience that
an individual’s identity is based only on the
caste, he/she is born in. But, the caste system in
India continues to be in the minds of educated
urban population, especially in matters concern-
ing marriage.
There are other forms of inequality too, in which
the lower castes (dalits) are discriminated. People
are also treated unequally on the basis of the
religion we practice, the class, background we
come from and whether we are male or female.

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