A Multidimensional Approach to Equality in the Inter-American Context: Redistribution, Recognition, and Participatory Parity

Abstract

The equality principle is widely accepted but its meaning is not unequivocal. At least three different conceptions are possible: Formal equality, equality as the prohibition of discrimination, and equality as antisubordination (which in turn can be conceived in terms of equality as redistribution, recognition, and representation). The inter Americancontext is the focus of this contribution, and therefore we will first examine the problems that the conception of equality as antidiscrimination entails, showing that although it may solve specific problems, it cannot deal with the structural inequalities widely present in Latin America. Second, we analyze the broader conception of equalityas antisubordination, in order to understand the deeply rooted causes of inequality in our social orders. Having identified these, we tackle the more complex theoretical framework developed by Fraser, which takes redistribution, recognition, and representation (inequality de-framing) into account when approaching inequalities. The wider scope of inequality provided by this theoretical framework improves not only our understanding of rights, but also exposes the intimate connection between rights, deliberative democracy, and equality, all three of them understood as the struggle for inclusion and participatory parity of disadvantaged groups.