Today, in this article we are going to explore one of the most controversial topics, the world is facing these days, i.e. Equity or Equality, in the areas of education, health, sports, opportunities and so on. However, there are still millions of people who have a common misconception that equity is same as equality, but the truth is that they are different. Equity refers to the just and fair provision of resources to all the individuals, which represents impartiality.
Conversely, Equality denotes provision of same resources to all people, i.e. it is the state of being the same when it comes to status, rights and opportunities. In this article you may find all the important differences between equity and equality, so have a look.
Content: Equity Vs Equality
Comparison Chart
| Basis for Comparison | Equity | Equality |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Equity is the virtue of being just, even-handed and impartial. | Equality is described as a state, where everyone is at the same level. |
| What is it? | Means | End |
| Distribution | Fair | Even |
| Recognizes | Differences, and attempts to counteract unequal individual opportunities. | Sameness and treats everyone as equal. |
| Ensures | People have what they need. | Providing everyone, the same things. |
Definition of Equity
The term equity refers to the system of justice and fairness, where there is an even-handed treatment of all the people. Under this system, the individual needs and requirements are taken into account and treated accordingly.
Equity demands fairness in every situation, i.e. whether it is the distribution of benefits or burdens. Therefore people are treated fairly but differently as their circumstances are given weight. It seeks to provide all the individuals an equal opportunity, to let them attain their maximum potential. In this way, equity ensures that all the individuals are provided the resources they need to have access to the same opportunities, as the general population.
Definition of Equality
Equality is when everyone is treated in the same way, without giving any effect to their need and requirements. In finer terms, it is a state of getting the same quantity or value or status. It is a situation where each and every individual is granted same rights and responsibilities, irrespective of their individual differences.
Equality is the lifeline of the democratic society; that aims to prevent discrimination and provides an equal opportunity to all. It can be racial equality, equality between rich and poor, men and women, etc. The central idea of equality is that all the individuals gets equal treatment in the society and are not discriminated on the basis of race, sex, caste, creed, nationality, disability, age, religion and so forth.
Key Differences Between Equity and Equality
The differences between equity and equality can be drawn clearly on the following grounds
- Justness and fairness in the manner of treating individuals are called equity. Equality is what we call, the state where everyone is at the same level.
- Equity is a process while equality is the outcome, i.e. equity is the necessary condition to be fulfilled to achieve latter.
- While equity represents impartiality, i.e. the distribution is made in such a way to even opportunities for all the people. Conversely equality indicates uniformity, where everything is evenly distributed among people.
- In equity, the differences are recognized and efforts are made to counteract the manner in which individual opportunities are not equal. On the contrary, equality recognizes sameness and so it aims at treating everyone as equal.
- In equity, all the people can have access to what they need. The equality, in contrast, all the people get the same thing, i.e. rights, resources and opportunities.
Conclusion
Equity cannot be achieved, through treating all the people equally rather it can be achieved through treating all the people in an equitable manner, i.e. as per their circumstances. Moreover, equality works, only if the starting point of every individual is same.
Niranjan says
For disability awareness equality and equity is so important
Ashenafi Bekele says
very nice explanation!