The Idea of Not So Equal Exchange
The idea that “equal exchange” is a reality is a dangerous one. The notion that, just because a transaction is completed in a certain way, it must be an “equal” relationship between both sides is a deeply rooted belief in many cultures. When cultures believe that something must be equal in all regards, it can create unequal power dynamics between the two parties involved, and can lead to exploitation.
Take for instance, in many countries, wages for female employees are lower than those of men. This is because employers who recruit male employees in many countries have ideas about what an “equal exchange” should look like, and they view most women as inferior to those they deem more valuable. This inequality in wages, entrenches the idea that an “equal exchange” can be made in a way in which one party has more control and power.
The idea of what a “fair exchange” looks like can also be used to suppress the rights of certain groups. The idea of a “fair exchange” is often used as a tool to place certain groups of people, such as people of colour, at a disadvantage in businesses and other fields. By allowing businesses to think that they are providing an “equal exchange” when giving contracts to people of colour, it places the group at a double disadvantage, as it encourages them to accept a lower wage due to the lack of bargaining power that comes with not being in the majority.
In some countries, even religious minorities and immigrants face unequal access to health services due to the notion that an “equal exchange” exists between the government and its citizens. In many cases, religious minorities are not given the same access to health services as the rest of the population, and often must pay disproportionately higher prices for the same services. This is because governments in these countries assume that an “equal exchange” exists between them and their citizens, and that their citizens should pay the same costs for services regardless of their backgrounds. This leads to unfair and unequal access to health services, which can be a direct barrier to many people seeking medical attention.
The idea of equal exchange is a harmful one, and one which can lead to exploitation, inequality, and discrimination. It is important that both businesses and governments recognise when an equal exchange is not actually occurring, and to disclose the power dynamics at play. By being open and honest about the exchange taking place between two parties, it can prevent unequal power dynamics, and it can also ensure that people are not taken advantage of unfairly.
