For too long, equality has been denigrated by the right as a negative value. A view of drab, dreary uniformity, created and policed by vast Orwellian bureaucracies, has been allowed to predominate, with the left often on the defensive. If we are to advance the cause of equality as a value for the 21st century, equality must be widely understood to be part of the mainstream.
The old language of economic or class-based equality cannot express the complexities of the injustices that need to be resolved. We need a new language to bring equality back from the sidelines and accept that we will fail in our attempt to reform public services if the priority of equality is not placed at the forefront.
So what is this new language? One example is the concept of social exclusion. This gives us a way of tackling the problems of inequality, deprivation and poverty in a holistic manner. Exclusion is not only about tackling economic poverty, vital though that is. It is also about the barriers to social participation. Lack of access to decent standards of education and healthcare and living in areas disproportionately affected by crime are all interrelated. It is impossible to tackle one strand without influencing the wider picture.
Social exclusion applies just as much at the ‘higher end’ of life. It occurs when certain groups in society use money to exclude themselves. The classic example could be a family living in a gated community, sending their children to private schools and using private healthcare. I would argue that both forms of social exclusion risk inequality for society as a whole. Without universal participation in quality public services, provision for those unable to afford alternatives will suffer.
Through the perspective of social exclusion we now have a stronger understanding of the links between different forms of inequality. If you live in a low-income household in childhood, you are far more likely to be unemployed or disadvantaged later in life. If your parents do not have a job, then you too are more likely to have a period of unemployment. The cycle of child poverty, low expectations, poor educational attainment and poor health is all too familiar. Labour governments have always been dedicated to eradicating poverty but we must acknowledge that untargeted welfare has its limits. Our welfare policies must be an enabling, rather than passive, intervention. So where do we start?
Clearly we must continue to scrap all existing social and religious barriers that are sanctioned by the state. A pluralist and multicultural base to our state is essential in the long run. No one group should be allowed to impose their prejudices through law. Our third term must do more than simply correct historic legacies. We must prioritise the rescue of any community falling victim to the spiralling descent of social exclusion – poor public services, high levels of crime, low expectations, fewer jobs.
In the poorest areas, just one job is created for every six in wealthier areas. We need to remove barriers to enterprise so that excluded people are truly able to help themselves. There is also an imperative to improve mainstream services alongside economic regeneration. History has shown us that job creation in a specific locality can only succeed if there is a well-skilled workforce, quality public services, efficient transport links and a healthy environment.
By the end of 2006 we will have three new strands of equalities legislation covering belief, sexual orientation and age in relation to employment and vocational training. In addition, a single equalities body is now imperative to provide the overall thrust that is needed to tackle inequalities. Such a body would advise and assist both business and government and push the equalities agenda further into economic and social policy.
The touchstones of the Labour movement are what ignite its passion; properly understood and advocated, equality is such a touchstone – a galvanising theme for our third term that is also essential for the achievement of productivity, competitiveness and public service reform.