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What is meant by Social Equality?
Explanation
Social equality is a fundamental concept in political theory and constitutional law, signifying that no individual should be subjected to a position of relative inferiority compared to others based on identity markers such as caste, race, or religion [1]. It stands in opposition to historical social systems, like the Indian caste system, which were built on hereditary occupational divisions and the exclusion of 'outcaste' groups [2]. While the principle of treating equals equally is central, social equality specifically demands that people are not discriminated against based on their group membership but are instead judged by their actions and work [1]. The Indian Constitution reinforces this by prohibiting discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, aiming to dismantle the rigid hierarchical social order where certain groups were historically marginalized or considered 'impure' [2].
Sources
- [1] Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Social Justice > Equal Treatment for Equals > p. 55
- [2] Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Gender, Religion and Caste > Caste inequalities > p. 38