Concept in Definition ABC

The term inequality is used to denote the opposite of equality, that is, the lack of Balance between two or more things. The notion of inequality usually has a negative meaning and does not mean diversity (in the sense that they are not all the same) but it represents the idea of ​​lack of balance between two or more parts that take place in the event. Normally, the term is related to social issues and access to the same lifestyle, phenomena that have to do with the society and that represent the establishment of social hierarchies, differences and distinctions between various classes or groups social.

We all have a rough idea of ​​what the concept of inequality means, in short, it is simply the lack of similarity between two things or realities.

As we explained, inequality as a general idea normally has a comparative dimension, since it is about establishing the differences between two issues. On the other hand, when we talk about unequal things we are not comparing completely different things (for example, a fruit and a mountain) but things that have something in common but present some differences (for example, inequalities between humans or between the

geometric figures).

The equal-unequal binomial serves to understand very different aspects. In the field of language we use it in the use of synonyms and antonyms. In mathematics we could not manage without the idea of ​​equality and inequality. In zoology it is necessary to establish the similarities and differences between species. And from the point of view of the logic of reasoning, we speak of equality because there is inequality.

The fight for equality

Humans are unequal in many ways (in intelligence, in force or in social conditions). There are inequalities that are accepted with normality, since they are considered logical and natural and, in this sense, it would not be justified for someone to claim their participation on equal terms in an Olympic Games for the simple fact of engaging in a sport. However, certain inequalities between people are considered unfair or undesirable (for example, those related to salary between men and women).

The inequalities classified as unjust have promoted a struggle throughout history. This is what has happened in relation to slavery, the feminist movement or the discrimination racial. In our days the fight against inequalities is still alive in many orders, from the field of people with disabilities to discrimination on religious, ethnic or cultural grounds.

The controversial side of equality

The aspiration to equality among men as a desire to overcome discrimination is a noble sentiment and a worthy ideal. However, it is not without some perverse aspirations. The communism It is an ideology that proposes full equality for all and in its attempt to apply this idea, this revolutionary movement has starred in all kinds of atrocities throughout history. The imposition of equality has risks and drawbacks.

Let us think of an employer who, in good faith, decides to impose the same salary among all his workers regardless of their functions or a football coach who decides that all players must play the same number of minutes throughout a tournament. This type of proposal has a motivation equalizer but they go against efficiency and profitability (a football team does not play a competition to do justice but simply to win).

In order to combat the evils of inequality, it does not seem reasonable to be inspired by a criterion of absolute equality. In this line, we usually use an alternative criterion, equality of opportunities, which comes to say that we are unequal but it is convenient that there be some starting conditions that place us on an initial level of equality and depending on the effort or capacity of each one, the logical differences between the individuals.

In conclusion, the problem of social equality presents three alternatives

1) accept inequality as inevitable (it would be the approach of some neoliberals),

2) impose equality as a criterion to eliminate injustice (classic approach of communism) and

3) defend equal opportunities to promote balance in society as a whole (classic proposal of social democracy).

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Issues in Inequality