What is the Difference Between Equity and Equality?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Equity and equality are related concepts, but they have distinct meanings and implications. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Equality means providing the same resources or opportunities to everyone, regardless of their individual circumstances or needs. It focuses on ensuring that everyone is treated the same and has access to the same resources, such as in the case of laws and regulations that protect individual rights.
- Equity, on the other hand, recognizes that each person has different circumstances and needs, and it allocates resources and opportunities accordingly to ensure that everyone can achieve an equal outcome. Equity acknowledges that some individuals or groups may require additional support or accommodations to overcome barriers or disadvantages they face, such as social injustices or systemic inequalities.
In summary, equality is about treating everyone the same, while equity is about recognizing and addressing individual differences and needs to ensure fair and just outcomes for all. Equity often involves adjusting support and resources based on an individual's or group's circumstances, whereas equality provides the same resources and opportunities to everyone, regardless of their situation.
Comparative Table: Equity vs Equality
The difference between equity and equality can be understood through the following table:
| Equality | Equity |
|---|---|
| Refers to equal opportunity and the same levels of support for all segments of society, without considering individual differences or needs | Refers to fairness and equality in outcomes, offering varying levels of support depending on individual needs |
| Treats everyone the same, regardless of their individual circumstances | Allocates resources and opportunities according to each person's different circumstances to reach an equal outcome |
| Examples include government subsidies on gasoline or food, available to all people, rich and poor alike | Examples include affirmative action policies, quotas for marginalized sections of society, and companies consciously looking for diverse candidates for their boards |
Equality aims to provide equal opportunities and support for all individuals, but it does not consider individual differences or needs. On the other hand, equity focuses on providing fairness and equality in outcomes by offering varying levels of support based on individual requirements.
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