In this article you will learn about the Relationship between Equality and Liberty in Political Science.
Equality and Liberty : Relationship
Equality and Liberty are two fundamental rights that are very important to every human being. The relation between Equality and Liberty has been an object of controversy among many political scientists. There are two opposite views that are made for explaining the relation between liberty and equality. The first group, which is in minonity, holds that equality and liberty are opposed to each other and the second group, which is in majority, holds that equality and liberty are necessary for each other. It states that without equality there can be no real liberty and without liberty there can be no use of equality. Both liberty and equality are related to each other and each is a condition of the other. They are complimentary, supplementary and compatible with each other.
How Equality and Liberty Compliment each other?
- Equality and Liberty are two equally important Fundamental Rights - Equality and Liberty both are essential and can be available simultaneously because the Indian Constitution grants both, the right to equality and the right to freedom.
- Equality is needed for the enjoyment of Liberty - Where there is absence of legal, civil, social, economic and political equality, there can be no real enjoyment of liberty. Social inequalities always limit liberty but social equality alone can create the environment in which people can really enjoy their liberty.
- Legal Equality is essential for Liberty - Equal legal protection of equal rights aof all is one the most important safeguards of liberty. Legal Equality i.e. equal protection of law is a significant guarantee of liberty.
- Without Liberty, Equality loses its worth - When a state provides equality, it should ensure and grant the right to freedom also otherwise people cannot really enjoy equality without being free to enjoy. Example, the communiest system of the USSR did ensure equality but failed to give a legitimate and due place to liberty. There the people never really enjoyed equality and clamoured for liberty. This led to a major revolt against the communist system not only in the USSR but also in all other communist countries of Europe.
- Right to Equal Opportunities is a feature of both Equality and Liberty - Equality stands for the grant of adequate and equal opportunities for the development of all people. Liberty also stands for freedom to develop through freedom of action. Hence both of them have similar variables.
- Economic Equality is a Safeguard of Liberty - Liberty without economic equality cannot be really enjoyed. There must be fair distribution of incomes and resources among all. In fact, economic equality is an imperative condition of political liberty. In the presence of economic inequalities, the weaker and poorer sections of society remain incapable of enjoying their liberty.
It can be concluded that equality and liberty are closely related to each other. In developed political systems people enjoy both equality and liberty and the Indian political system is committed to secure both in full measure.
This article on Relationship between Equality and Liberty in Political Science is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.