Equality in a multicultural society

Abstract

Much of the traditional discussion of equality deals with that between individuals and is predicated on the assumption of a culturally homogenous society. It is therefore of limited help in dealing with intercultural equality or with equality between individuals belonging to different cultures. Equality requires equal treatment of those who are equal in relevant respects. What respects are relevant, what responses they deserve, and what constitutes equal treatment cannot be determined in transcultural or culturally neutral terms. This is equally true of such other ideas as equal opportunity, equality before the law, and equal liberty. They all require cultural translation and a sensitive search for cultural equivalence. The author discusses these and related issues by analysing concrete cases and drawing out their theoretical implications.