Buzz
Searching for the terms equity and equality in the dictionary might leave you with the impression that they are interchangeable. Merriam-Webster defines equitable as “treating all parties fairly and equally,” while equal refers to “having the same amount, measure, or number as another.” However, as with systemic and systematic, these terms (and their derivatives) should not be used interchangeably.
- Equality aims to provide everyone with identical resources.
- Equity seeks to allocate resources based on individual needs.
Equity versus Equality
The young man in purple understands the significance of distinguishing between equality and equity. | Angus Maguire // Interaction Institute for Social ChangeIn the example on the left side of the illustration, three identical boxes are given to three individuals of varying heights. This represents an equal distribution of resources, but it overlooks the fact that the tallest person doesn’t require a box to see over the fence, while the shortest person would benefit from an additional box. When the boxes are reassigned equitably, as shown on the right side, all three individuals can view the game.
As George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health points out, understanding the distinction between equality and equity is essential in nearly every area of life: public health, politics, education, racial justice, and more. For instance, if each public school in a county receives 150 new laptops, that’s technically equal. However, it doesn’t take into account that some schools may be in affluent districts where most students already have their own laptops. Instead, officials should distribute the devices based on which schools have the greatest need, ensuring that they’re not left unused in one school while another is lacking enough resources.
In short, equality is about distributing resources in equal amounts, while equity focuses on allocating resources in proportion to the needs of the individuals involved to ensure fairness.
