Varieties of equality

Equality remains an elusive concept. Vested interests shape the definitions and perspectives of equality. Equality in representation, attitudes, standards, processes, outcomes, opportunities are a few perspectives that we see floating around. Equality in representation appears to be the dominant approach, characterised by an interest in head counts across domains of life and work. Quotas are the most oft cited interventions in this perspective. Equality in attitudes is the approach which borrows psychological concepts to frame equality. As such in studies of this perspective we see a focus biases, attitudes, stereotypes, behaviours and emotions induced by equality and inequality. Equality of standards is concerned with equality in the institutional provisions, policies and actions. This perspective focuses on  design and delivery of institutional interventions and encounters in the main. Equality in processes is a perspective which explores institutional processes and their capacity to generate equality and inequality. For example, processes of recruitment, selection, development, performance and talent management can    examined in terms of antecedents and outcomes. Equality of standards and processes are often less reported by organisations than equal representation. Te primary reason for this can be that the former approaches require institutional changes, while changes in representation may come about without changes to institutions or attitudes. Equality in outcomes is a perspective which is least popular among policy making circles, for similar reasons as above. Equality in outcomes is about receiving the same outcome for equal work or effort. The focus for this perspective is on pay gap, or other discrepancies in terms and conditions of work, promotions, incentives and rewards. Equality of outcomes remains the least popular perspective as it requires combatting of deeply rooted inequalities which lead to uneven distribution of outcomes. Finally, equal opportunities is the most popular of equality perspectives as it is underpinned by liberal stance that equality can be achieved if individuals are given equal chances. This perspective advocates   equality of access to chances and opportunities. Dominance of equal opportunities perspective above all other perspectives is sometimes criticised for being a form of resistance to achieving deeper and more sustainable forms of equality.