מדדים (סטנדרטים) הם תנאי לשוויון, האחדה (סטנדרטיזציה) היא אויבת שלו – המקרה של אלמנות צה"ל הבדואיות

Standardization is a mechanism designed to create uniformity, which reflects the equal status of the citizens of a State vis-à-vis its institutions. However, when standardization in certain areas of life ignores essential differences between groups and individuals, it may intensify inequality, prejudice the principle of justice, and create overt or covert discrimination. In this article we expose the erroneous identification between standardization and equality, when dealing with unique life contexts and complex human situations.The connection between standards and justice is examined using three perspectives: philosophical, economic, and social. As a case study, we bring the Bedouin IDF widows who are adversely affected by the standardization of rights granted to IDF widows in Israel, since the rights granted by law are not adapted to their way of life. We demonstrate how standards that are not culturally sensitive create distortions that undermine distributive justice and prevent particular groups, usually marginalized and excluded, from receiving the benefits and resources they deserve. We argue that only policies that segment personal, social and cultural needs adequately, are reflective of a democratic and substantive equality that goes beyond technical uniformity in mechanisms of implementation.