ABSTRACT
From the Old French egalite´, which, in turn derives from Latin æqualis, meaning even, equality describes a condition of sameness in value, degree, rank, status, standing, or position between two or more subjects. It is sometimes confused with equity, which refers to fairness and principles of justice, which is quite different. It is possible to have a COMPETITION that upholds principles of equity but which is also unequal. All entrants compete under a system of rules and conditions that apply indiscriminately; yet, the competition is designed to ensure, or at least maximize the chances of, inequality of outcomes. Ties, draws, and dead heats notwithstanding, there will be winners and losers. In this sense, the whole point of sporting competition is to establish and verify inequality. On the other hand, equal treatment is actively encouraged at all
levels. Research by, among others C. Ames and J. Archer, highlighted how a transparent lack of preferentiality underpins a task-involving MOTIVATIONAL CLIMATE. Similarly, team sports emphasize equality of status and rights as a way of encouraging the cooperation that is vital to teamwork and COHESION. Gestalt psychology has a second meaning for equality. As more
than one STIMULUS in a perceptual field become similar, they will tend to be perceived as a single unit. This is known as the law of equality.
