The familiar phrase “All men are created equal,” has a complex history. On the one hand, equality
appears to be a good thing which is why it has been the goal of individuals and social movements
at different points in the history of Western society. On the other hand, not all members of a given
society would agree on what equality means in practice, or which people have a right to make a
claim for equality, or whether equality has been achieved. One could argue, therefore, that while
equality is an important concept in the history of Western society, it has been and remains
contested. Discuss at least two specific historical examples as well as one issue of contemporary
significance that illustrate these debates and struggles over the meaning and practice of equality.