Difference Between Equality and Equity

Introduction

Although equality and equity may sound similar, their implementation can affect oppressed people differently.

Equity and equality are conceptually very distinct from one another. A further benefit of understanding the distinction between equality and equity is that it assists in understanding the concepts of social equality, social inclusion, social justice, racial justice, & social security.

Let's contrast equality and equity now:

Equality indicates that each person or group has access to the same resources and opportunities. Equity acknowledges that everyone's circumstances are unique and provides the precise resources and opportunities required to achieve an equal outcome.

Here are two images that show how equality and equity differ from one another.

Everyone receives the same box in the equality drawing. Thus, the population has equal access to it and the distribution of resources. The smallest individual, however, is still unable to look over the fence in that situation. The tallest individual has also been lifted even farther beyond the barrier he could previously look through.
Conversely, in the second scenario, which is equity drawing, individuals are given boxes according to their needs in which to stand. As a result, resources are made available or distributed based on need. Because of the equity, all three persons, regardless of height, can see over the fence on the same level.

Equity is a cure for unbalanced social systems. Justice can take equity a step further by rebuilding the institutions to ensure long-term, sustainable, and fair access for future generations.

Equity and equality are not synonymous terms.

Due to their similar appearance, the terms equity and equality are sometimes used interchangeably. Both have to deal with how people are treated & both are applied to the study of law, politics, economics, and other disciplines. These terms often define policies, procedures, or regulations that aim to stop or oppose human injustice or unfair treatment.

However, as was previously said, equality and equity are not synonymous, and the approaches taken to accomplish them are sometimes extremely unlike.

Difference Between Equality and Equity:

EQUALITY	EQUITY
Define-Equality means that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the same resources & opportunities.	Define-The availability of resources or their allocation by need. It involves making logical and reasoned decisions.
Here, a person will only receive what is available to everyone else.	It focuses on providing more to those people who need it the most and less to those who require it the least.
Equality may lead to negative discrimination. It does not adhere to representational proportionality.	Equity is a form of positive discrimination. To get a fair result, it alludes to proportionate representation (by racism, gender, class, etc.).
Equality is the process's outcome/ result/end objective.	Equity is a way of achieving equality.
Equality can be measured. It doesn't change, and it doesn't matter who views it.	Equity is a highly subjective concept. It varies depending on the circumstance & the individual.
Things are justified by equality based on amount.	Equity justifies actions based on their quality.
Equity is a way of achieving equality.	Equal rights do not lead to equity.
A similar analysis is not required in the practice of the equality approach.	A thorough investigation of the current circumstances is required to use the equity method.
The disparities or gaps between two or more distinct groups or races are not addressed.	It highlights the disparities and works to bridge the racial or social divide.
The equality principle can be applied only when everyone begins at the same level.	The equity principle applies even if persons do not begin at the same place.
Most private companies and agencies adhere to the principle of equality.	The government prioritizes the principle of equity in its guiding principles and public policies.
There is no specialized education for persons of different races, genders, or groups while upholding equality.	Following the idea of equality, persons of various races, genders, or groups get different instructions and actions.
Equality practitioners do not treat people differently because they think resources should be distributed equally.	Equity practitioners view everyone differently because they believe in the equal distribution of resources.
Not all instances of inequality work against social equality and fairness. However, it could compromise the people's or society's true needs.	Inequity, or a lack of equity, threatens social equity and justice.

Examples-

Equality	Equity
A community's public schools are equipped with computer laboratories open during school hours and have the same number of computers.	Since some children don't have availability to computers or the internet at home, computer laboratories in lower-income areas tend to feature more computers & printers as well as extended hours of operation.
Twenty-five community centers in a city had their operating hours reduced by the same amount and at the same time.	The city decides when and how long communities need to access their community centers, and it shortens the hours for facilities that aren't used as often.
A community meeting regarding a local environmental problem is held in English, even though English is not the first language of 25% of the people.	The meeting is joined by translators whom the community leaders hire, or they offer to have a separate meeting in a different language.
Distributing an equal amount of food to every family member, including females in adolescence, and pregnant & lactating (breastfeeding) women, regardless of their nutritional needs and requirements.	Giving pregnant, lactating (breastfeeding) women & teenage girls more nutritious and larger quantities of food depending on their nutritional needs.
Regardless of the differences in their job performance, all workers receive the same compensation, perks, and awards.	Employees receive different salaries, awards, and perks depending on their job performance, level of experience, and specialty.
Giving equal attention and effort to all students in the classroom/school OR organizing extra classes for all students regardless of their test scores, marks, or classroom/school performance.	Extra classes should be organized, and students who are struggling in academics should receive special attention to close the achievement gap in the classroom and enhance those students' academic performance. Ultimately, this will assist each student in realizing their full potential.

The Conclusion

The eventual goal that we are all working toward is equality. But to get there, equity must first be ensured. Equity guarantees that individuals who are behind others (socially, economically, politically, geographically, etc.) get a little additional help and encouragement to realize their full potential and be on an equal level with everyone. As a result, even though equality and equity are significantly different, they are also closely intertwined.

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