Difference Between Liberty and Equality

Liberty vs Equality
 

The ideas of liberty and equality are different from one another, and, as a result, we can observe certain differences between these two words. First let us understand what each term denotes. Liberty is the freedom that individuals have. Equality, on the other hand, refers to treating all individuals in the same manner. This highlights that liberty and equality are not the same but that they are closely related to one another. Through this article let us pay attention to the differences between liberty and equality, through an examination of both terms.

What is Liberty?

Liberty can simply be defined as the freedom of individuals. It denotes the freedom that an individual has, to speak, think and act as he or she wants to. In every country, the people should have the freedom to enjoy their lives and live them to their fullest. This is liberty. However, when looking at the world today, the conduct of many nations highlights that the liberty of people is confined due to various reasons. For example, in some countries, journalists cannot report news freely due to political agendas. The pollution, exploitation, and violence are hidden from the people. This in a way denies the freedom of the journalist. Especially, in the case of nations with dictatorial regimes, the freedom to express one’s opinion is also denied. If a person voices his opinion against the ruling party, there is a high probability that the individual would end up murdered or severely injured. These are only some examples where the freedom of people are controlled and confined to the ruling parties. This idea of liberty is connected to equality in a manner. This is when one party enjoys liberty to engage in a particular activity, but the others are denied the same right. This results in a condition of inequality because while one-half enjoys a certain right the others do not.

What is Equality?

Equality is treating everyone in the same manner, according to same standards. In a fair and equal society, everyone needs to have equal opportunities and be treated equally. This is the right of the people. When paying attention to the history of the world, the many struggles of gender and racial discrimination suggest that people do not have equal rights. However, in contrast to the past, the condition has improved through the struggles of people. Let us try to understand this through an example.

In the past, education was given to the male child only. This excluded the girl child from becoming a part of the intellectual process. This is a condition where people do not possess equal rights. It creates an atmosphere where one party gains more privileges in comparison to the other. This highlights that liberty and equality are not the same. However, they are interrelated.

What is the difference between Liberty and Equality?

• Liberty refers to the freedom that individuals have whereas Equality refers to treating all individuals in the same manner.

• Liberty and equality are interrelated. This is when one party enjoys liberty to engage in a particular activity, but the others are denied the same right. This results in a condition of inequality because while one-half enjoys a certain right, the others do not.

• When scrutinizing the world, one can state that liberty and equality are experienced by people in different degrees, even though the conditions have improved in contrast to the past.

Images Courtesy:

1. Rajagopal P. V. speaking at the beginning of Janadesh 2007 by Ekta Parishad (CC BY-SA 3.0)
2. Student in Class by Tulane Public Relations (CC BY 2.0)