Equity vs Equality

Equity, on the other hand, recognizes that each person has different circumstances and needs, and therefore allocates the specific resources and support necessary to reach an equal outcome. It is based on the principle of fairness and justice.

Example: Providing a student with dyslexia additional time on a test or providing a low-income student with a free laptop and internet access to ensure they have the same opportunity to succeed as their peers who are more privileged.

As summarized by the Race Matters Institute, "The route to achieving equity will not be accomplished through treating everyone equally. It will be achieved by treating everyone justly according to their circumstances" (Marin County HHS). Equality assumes a level playing field, but equity acknowledges and corrects for historical and systemic disadvantages. Equality is the goal (equal outcome), but equity is the process (tailored support) required to achieve it.

The differences between Equality, Equity, and Justice are explored in this video. The differences between Equality, Equity, and Justice

Sample Answer

The terms equity and equality are often confused, but they represent fundamentally different approaches to achieving fairness and justice. While both concepts aim for a just society, they differ in their starting points and methods.

Equality means that every individual or group of people is given the exact same resources or opportunities, regardless of their starting position or individual circumstances. It is based on the principle of sameness.

Example: Giving every student in a classroom the same textbook, the same number of pencils, or the same time limit on a test.