Equality versus equity
Which sentences are correct?
- The law requires equality for all citizens.
- The law requires equity for all citizens.
- Equality means everyone is treated the same.
- Equity means everyone is treated the same.
- Equality means providing support where needed.
- Equity means providing support where needed.
- Receiving the same pay for the same job is equality.
- Receiving the same pay for the same job is equity.
- Equality means everyone is held to the same standard.
- Equity means everyone is held to the same standard.
- Equality is an attempt to offset disparities between people.
- Equity is an attempt to offset disparities between people.
The correct sentences are A, C, F, G, I, and L.
Why?
Equality is based on identical parameters, while equity is based on variable parameters to facilitate identical outcomes.
To elaborate, equality is “the quality of being equal,” or the equal distribution of resources, without regard to circumstance. By contrast, equity is “differentiated resource allocation,” or the distribution of resources based on need.
What does this mean in practice?
It means that under a system of equality, everyone receives the same treatment, the same supports—the same inputs, if you will—whether he needs them or not. Under a system of equity, treatment and supports are customized to each individual in an attempt to produce the same outputs from, and outcomes for, everyone.
In American K–12 public schools, equity looks like different acceptance, testing, and grading standards for disadvantaged students, including those from low-income households or with special needs or learning disabilities. Currently, 15% of public-school students have an Individualized Education Plan, or IEP, and the percentage is climbing. An IEP outlines accommodations and standards of progress. Specific supports may include modified assignments, more time on tests, private rooms, or specialized instruction.
In healthcare, equity looks like free medical care, with targeted outreach, for disadvantaged individuals.
In the government sector, equity looks like a progressive tax system, with a greater burden carried by higher earners.
In the professional sector, equity looks like disability accommodations or diversity hiring. Back in the day, equity looked like higher pay for men, who were the breadwinners of their families and, therefore, “needed” more income than women. But today, this is called unfair.
The example illustrates an important point. Many dictionaries inadequately define equity as “fairness.” But fairness is a subjective quality liable to change over time. What is deemed fair today may be considered unfair tomorrow.
My advice is to avoid the definition of fairness. Neither equality nor equity is inherently “fair.” Instead, rely on the concepts of “same” or “identical” (equality) and “different” or “customized” (equity), which accurately capture the essence of each term.
