Key Takeaways:
- Equality exists when individuals within a group all receive the same level of access to resources and opportunities.
- Equity refers to the notion that all people are unique and may need different resources to operate on the same level as others.
- It is important to understand how equity vs. equality applies to many types of resources, including digital access, educational funding, employment opportunities and more.
The terms “equity” and “equality” are often thought to be interchangeable, but their definitions and functions are actually different. Understanding the differences between equity vs. equality can help you know the right verbiage to use in conversations.
Below, we differentiate between equality vs. equity and provide real-world examples of how equity and equality come into play. Lastly, we discuss their importance and how you can promote equity and equality in your community.
Equality vs. Equity
Equity and equality share similar traits when it comes to fairness. However, the terms have distinctly unique usages that, when applied to various cultural situations, can lead to vastly different outcomes.
It can be easy to get these two terms mixed up because of their similarities. Let us dive into the distinction between equity vs. equality and provide examples to help you further understand the differences.
What Is Equity?
Equity is the practice of accounting for the differences in each person’s starting point when pursuing a goal or achievement, while working to remove barriers to equal opportunity. In essence, equity considers individuals’ circumstances to understand what resources they need to achieve the same outcome as their peers. It aims to solve problems that occur in social systems that are not balanced. An equity strategy takes an individualized approach to identifying workplace disparities within organizations to ensure employees have the resources they need to be successful.
What Is Equality?
Equality refers to giving all individuals the same opportunities and resources, regardless of their circumstances. Equality in the workplace, for example, takes the form of employees receiving equal benefits, training and opportunities to advance within an organization. While this may seem like the proper way to address issues, equality can sometimes be associated with repercussions that create additional problems for individuals.
Equity vs. Equality Examples
Digital Access
When it comes to digital access, equality vs. equity is a critical topic. For example, students may be given access to a laptop to complete assignments. However, due to the digital divide, some students may lack broadband access once they leave the classroom and return home.
Equality in this situation would be giving all students access to laptops. Equity would be adding free or low-cost access to broadband for the students who live in low-income households in underserved areas that lack that resource.
Education Funding
There can be discrepancies between equity vs. equality in education funding. Not all school districts receive the same amount of funding as other districts. For example, equality in education funding would mean providing all school districts with the same funding regardless of its geographic location. On the other hand, equity funding would mean determining which areas are underserved and providing additional funding to facilitate more robust operations.
Employment Opportunities
Barriers to offering fair employment opportunities for individuals of different races and disabilities have been in place for many decades. For example, equality in employment opportunities suggests that all candidates receive the same job opportunities. In terms of equity, this would mean employers need targeted recruitment efforts. This would help ensure that all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, race or disability, have an equal chance at receiving an employment opportunity.
Healthcare Access
Health equity vs. health equality struggles exist across the entire industry. For example, equality would mean offering equal healthcare services to all individuals, regardless of financial status or other conditions. On the other hand, equity would target communities with above-average chronic illness rates and ensure that these areas receive more access to care.
Legal Representation
Some individuals lack access to capital to pay for legal services and representation within the courtroom. For example, equality in this instance would assume that all individuals are given the same legal representation regardless of their ability to pay. In terms of equity, this would go one step further to offer low-income programs to individuals who cannot afford legal representation.
Why Are Equity and Equality Important?
While equity and equality are equally important across many sectors of life, equity aims to create better opportunities for all. It addresses underlying disparities and barriers to access by providing tailored resources and opportunities to meet the unique needs of individuals. This ultimately strives for fair and just outcomes for all communities, especially when it comes to racial equity.
How Can You Promote Equity and Equality in Your Community?
You can promote equity and equality in many ways in your community and beyond, starting with educating yourself about these topics. Understanding the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) can help you make informed decisions within your community.
Stay up to date with the latest from Robert F. Smith and DE&I efforts, including equity vs. equality, by following him on LinkedIn.
