What are the differences between equality and equity?

We often use the terms equality and equity synonymously, or we think they mean the same but with nuances. However, they are different ideas with different implications at the social level.

Although both terms are dimensions of social justice, the truth is that there are differences between equality and equity, which we will see in more depth throughout this article.

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Differences between equality and equity: how to distinguish between the two concepts?

The words equality and equity are often found together, so it is not surprising that many people tend to confuse them, thinking that they either mean exactly the same thing or have a similar definition with certain nuances. Really both words refer to concepts that, although related, do not imply the same and, in fact, at the social level they have different consequences.

What is equality?

Equality implies treat all people equally before the law, without discriminating or offering privileges to anyone. That is, equal treatment is one in which everyone is given the same regardless of their differences such as gender, race, socioeconomic status or any other characteristic differentiating.

Equality is a human right, and is established in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations in 1948. In this declaration, the sovereign states undertake to offer their citizens equal treatment before the laws, both to access their rights and to enforce their obligations.

What is equity?

Equity is understood as the principle or disposition to give everyone the same treatment before the law, without discrimination, but considering their specific situation and needs. That is, within equity there would be the idea of ​​equality, but taking into account that not everyone has the same luck and that, sometimes, offering the same treatment is still unfair to the most unfortunate.

In the idea of ​​equity it is intended to be fair or to impart justice, but taking into account that everyone is different, for both good and bad, and that human beings, although deserving of the same rights, we have individual needs or live different situations, in which a treatment is necessary specific.

The case of the baseball game

To clearly see the differences between equality and equity, we are going to give as a graphic example an image that has become very popular in recent years, which allows you to understand these two ideas very quickly and how they differ. The image, popularized by social networks, is that of three people of different heights trying to watch a baseball game behind a fence. There is a tall person, a medium height person and a short person.

At first, and without having any kind of help or support, the only person who manages to watch the game is the tall one, since her height exceeds that of the fence. The average person has difficulties and has to stand on tiptoe in order to grasp something, even though he cannot. The most unfortunate is the short person, since not even on tiptoe can see anything of the game. This first situation represents social injustice when it is not intervened.

Next, we have an image that tries to represent equality. Someone has given these three people three identical wooden boxes, one for each of them to put on top of. The tall person is now even more above the height of the fence, while the middle person finally gets a good view of the game. Unfortunately, the short person, although he has stood on top of his box, cannot see anything: he does not know has given him enough to be able to be at the same height, despite the fact that the deal has been egalitarian.

Finally, we have the image that represents equity. In this case, it is taken into account that the three people are not the same, although they have the same right to watch the game. To get them to see it, boxes are distributed, but they do not touch one for each one. The tall person does not need a box, since he already watches the game without help. The average person will need a box to see it, but the short person needs two boxes to get it.

Now all three people can enjoy the game because they have reached the same height. It is true that the distribution of boxes has not been the same, because one has had more boxes than the other two. However, since the result is the same, that the three people can watch the game while being at the same height, it is about of a measure that contributes to social justice, since everyone receives the same right, in this case to see the party of baseball.

Based on this example, we can understand that the main difference between equality and equity is that the former involves imparting justice to all citizens in a uniform manner, while the second is intended to give fair treatment to everyone, but taking into account their differences and exceptional situations. In fairness, the sense of impartiality is not compromised, but it is understood that not everyone was born equal and, therefore, too equal treatment would imply social injustice.

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Examples of equality

Next we will see some examples of equality, much mentioned in social movements and promoters of the defense of human rights.

Gender equality

Gender equality is an idea that defends the equivalence of men and women in the enjoyment of the same rights. In other words, it is against the fact that having one gender or another is a reason for enjoying privileges and being a victim of discrimination. Gender should not be an impediment to having access to the same opportunities.

This idea is contemplated in the Declaration of Human Rights, in addition to having been defended in other documents, such as the Convention of the Political Rights of Women (1954) and the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (1979).

Equal opportunities

Equal opportunities is an idea in which it is stated that all human beings should have the same opportunities to develop in an integral way.

Although in theory all states, or at least those that consider themselves democratic, try to apply this type of equality, the truth is that in practice it is more difficult to exercise. There are social inequalities that prevent all of us from starting from a common base.

For example, those who have been lucky enough to be born into an upper-middle-class family are more likely to enjoy a good education, receive a review in case of not performing academically and be able to afford university studies, both undergraduate and master's degree.

Instead, a lower class person, even if they have the same cognitive ability, cannot afford the same type of educationIf you have difficulties, you may not receive the necessary help and, even if it is worth it, you will not be able to afford university studies.

In the case of the upper-middle-class person, having had a very privileged life with respect to that of lower class, it is predictable that he will get a good job, either by inertia or by his effort. On the other hand, the other will not have this luck.

Social equality

Social equality is an idea that refers to be able to enjoy all civil, economic, political and legal rights. Within this equality we would have rights such as being able to have a house, be able to have a salary, have the right to vote and participate in politics, be equal before the law ...

Examples of equity

Here are some examples of equity.

Gender equality

Gender equity is a concept that is related to that of gender equality, but, although the common objective is that men and women can enjoy of the same rights, in gender equality, it is chosen to give preferential treatment to women while, traditionally, they have been gender discriminated.

So we would talk about equity the offer interventions aimed exclusively at women so that they can have the same social, economic, political and legal weight as men.

For example, gender equality is achieved when it is promoted and facilitated the incorporation into the work of women, giving them facilities to reach high jobs and fight against the glass ceiling.

Social equity

Social equity is understood to be the set of measures that are applied to guarantee that all people have access to the same opportunities, taking into account their different circumstances.

For example, all children have the right to education, considering them equal before the law in this regard. That is, whether you live in the country or in the big city, all boys and girls have this right recognized. The problem is that recognizing the right does not mean that people can enjoy it.

Although in developed countries the city-country dichotomy in education is far exceeded, it is possible to For those who live in rural areas, going to school with relative ease, in underdeveloped countries this is not So. Living in the country implies having a lot of difficulties getting close to the school, since the closest one is most likely in the city, and it is not easy to go.

In order to get all children to go to school, it is not enough to recognize this right. Should be mobilize the necessary resources so that people living in less favored environments, in this case the countryside, can go to schools. Two good measures to achieve this goal would be to build more schools in rural areas and provide school transportation so that they can go to class.

Bibliographic references:

• Villegas-Arenas, G. and Toro-Gaviria, J. TO. (2010). Equality and equity: two key concepts on the work agenda of family professionals. Latin American Journal of Family Studies, 2. 98-116.
• Restrepo R., Dalia. (1999). Gender inequality, privileges and cultural rights in Caldas. ICFES. Bogotá: Division of editorial processes, General Secretary - ICFES.
• Fernández-Enguita, M. (2001). Equality, equity, solidarity. Educação & Sociedade, 22 (76), 278-294. https://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0101-73302001000300015