This essay presents an analysis of the highly contested concept of equality. While it will touch on the issues surrounded basic equalities, the main focus will be on the concept and achievement of political equality and the problems associated with it.
The essay concludes that perhaps an absolute equality in any terms is impossible.
Different forms of equality influence each other; hence achieving one form of equality may prohibit achieving another. Many inequalities still exist today in any democratic country, not to mention those inequalities of people living under non-democratic regimes. However, change is happening, as shown by the evolution of the concept of equality. And although, the achievement of political equality in practice is undermined by the socioeconomic inequalities still existing in all societies, political equality is nevertheless, an important goal, which we have to strive for.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the concept of equality
2. Political equality and its limitations
2.1 Institutional and organizational challenges
2.2 Socioeconomic factors and political participation
3. Ideological perspectives on equality
3.1 Liberalism and the concept of equality of opportunity
3.2 Socialist and radical critiques
4. Globalization and the future of political equality
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Themes
This essay examines the multifaceted and highly contested concept of equality, with a specific focus on the definition, practical achievement, and inherent challenges associated with political equality in contemporary democratic societies.
- The evolution of equality within liberal and conservative ideologies.
- The impact of socioeconomic status and money on political influence.
- Barriers to equal participation, including systemic racism and gender discrimination.
- The relationship between capitalism, wealth distribution, and equality.
- The influence of globalization on political agency and nation-state authority.
Excerpt from the book
Political equality and its limitations
Political equality, constituting a part of the formal equality, generally refers to the equality of people’s voice in politics. Presuming some form of a representative government, this would include equality to vote, equality to run for office, and equality of political influence (Sargent, 2009, p.74-6). Today the equal right to participate in politics is seen as self-evident, however, in practice many inequalities still exist. With regards to the voting rights there are, apart from age limits and the possession of a citizenship, several further limitations. Despite the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), in the UK nearly all prisoners lose their right to vote when convicted and in many countries people convicted of certain crimes lose their voting rights permanently (Bloom/BBC, 2010).
Additionally, some organisational aspects can have an impact on securing political equality. According to Dahl (1956, cited by McGann, 2004, p.53), the values of political equality request the use of majority rule. However, supermajoritarian rule, such as checks and balances and power separation is widespread in many countries, thus reducing political equality in the name of minority interests (McGann, 2004, 53-54).
Further, there are also informal sources of inequality, such as racial, gender or age discrimination. As Kam et al. (2008, p.208) points out, despite the legal limitations on voting being removed, voting rates of woman and minorities are still lower than that of the males of the racial majority. Also some elder or disabled people are sometimes treated unequally due to the physical obstacles they incur when participating in voting. Similarly social constraints may have a negative effect on the equality of the ability to run for office (Sargent, 2009, p.76). Traditionally it has affected women but even more minorities. Nevertheless, the election of Barack Obama as well as the high profile positions filled recently by Hilary Clinton or Condoleezza Rice perhaps indicates that a change is taking place.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction to the concept of equality: This chapter introduces the theoretical landscape of equality and outlines the fundamental disagreements between liberal, conservative, and socialist ideologies.
Political equality and its limitations: This section explores how institutional structures, socioeconomic barriers, and legal restrictions impede the realization of equal political voice.
Ideological perspectives on equality: This chapter analyzes how different political theories, from classical liberalism to radical socialism, justify or critique existing levels of social and material inequality.
Globalization and the future of political equality: This section discusses the changing role of the nation-state and the potential for cosmopolitan democracy to address modern political influence.
Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the arguments, noting that while absolute equality may be impossible, political equality remains a vital goal for democratic progress.
Keywords
Political equality, Liberalism, Social inequality, Democracy, Capitalism, Voting rights, Globalization, Socioeconomic status, Political participation, Representation, Formal equality, Ideology, Power, Discrimination, Citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this essay?
The essay analyzes the concept of equality, specifically focusing on the definition of political equality and the various obstacles that prevent its full achievement in practice.
What are the central themes discussed in the text?
The core themes include the ideological foundations of equality, the impact of wealth and socioeconomic status on political power, and the effect of institutional and organizational barriers on democratic participation.
What is the central research question?
The work seeks to understand how political equality is defined in theory versus how it is challenged by existing material, social, and institutional inequalities in the real world.
Which scientific approach is utilized?
The author employs a comparative analysis of political ideologies and reviews existing political science literature to demonstrate how different frameworks view the possibility and desirability of equality.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body examines the evolution of equality, the role of money in politics, the influence of marginalized groups, and the tension between individual merit and social equality.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include political equality, liberalism, capitalism, voting rights, democratic governance, and social stratification.
Does the author believe that absolute political equality is achievable?
The author concludes that absolute equality is likely impossible, as different forms of equality often conflict with one another and society requires diverse functions that may naturally generate some inequality.
How does the role of money in politics affect political equality?
The text argues that the increasing role of money makes running for office expensive and limits political influence, thereby reinforcing socioeconomic advantages and creating a cycle of durable inequality.
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- Linda Vuskane (Autor:in), 2011, Political Equality. Problems and Achivements of a Contested Concept, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/511997
