What's the Difference Between Equity and Equality?

People often use "equity" and "equality" interchangeably, but these are different concepts. Equality is the even distribution of resources across all people. Equity, on the other hand, is the distribution of resources based on need.

Does equity mean fairness? Yes, equity programs aim to even the playing field to ensure fairness and justice. Read on to learn the difference between equity and equality and what these concepts look like in action.

What Does Equality Mean?

Equality is the access to and distribution of a set of resources evenly across people. Equity, in contrast, is the access to or distribution of resources based on need. Equality and equity are separate concepts. Both have to do with fairness and justice, but how society achieves them and what they ultimately look like are different. 

Here's a visual representation of how equity differs from equality:

Each person is given the same box in the equality drawing. The access to and distribution of resources is spread evenly across the population. The shortest person, however, still cannot see over the fence. The tallest person can see even higher over the fence than before.

The people are given either one, two, or no boxes to stand on in the equity drawing. The access to or distribution of resources is spread based on need. All three people can see over the fence at the same level, regardless of their height.

Why Is Equity Important?

You can't achieve equality without first achieving equity. Is "equality" an outdated term? No. Equality works if everyone needs the same thing. Equality is not enough, however, if you are trying to help people live better lives and rectify unfairness.

Equality assumes that everybody is the same and everybody needs the same thing. Some people need more, however, because they started with less. These people may not have what they need if everyone gets an equal shot or piece of something.

Equity vs. Equality Examples

Equity is both an ultimate goal and a process. Achieving equity means that no part of a person's identity (e.g., age, disability, gender, race, religion, and sexual orientation) gets in the way of their ability to thrive.

Here are some examples of equity vs. equality:

Being equitable means recognizing, taking accountability for, and changing the systemic and structural barriers that get in the way of people being able to thrive. The people affected by inequality must be meaningfully involved in the change process.

Some might think that those targeted efforts in and of themselves are racist and discriminatory, but that's not the case. The only way to correct abuse, lack of access, and neglect is to have a special intervention.

Equity Programs in Action

The call for more significant equity spans everything from education to work to politics. The systemic and structural barriers that prevent people from thriving can prevent them from being the healthiest they can be. Inequity in education, for example, might have prevented you from going to college. It can be difficult, as a result, to find a job that pays well and offers health insurance.

Equitable practices help the specific groups and people they target and society as a whole, even if you are not the direct target. That's especially true when it comes to health equity.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has identified several Healthy People 2030 objectives that it will target to achieve health equity. These include:

• Expanding access to safe drinking water
• Increasing the number of national surveys to collect data on LGBTQ+ populations
• Reducing the number of people with disabilities who delay care because of cost

Health equity challenges us to understand these disparities. There may not be enough healthful food or not as much access to care in a particular neighborhood. It can be hard to find transportation or take off from work to see a healthcare provider. These factors can make it difficult to manage a chronic (long-lasting) disease for some people.

How Can You Practice and Promote Equity?

Policy at every level dictates equity. Federal and state policies—policies in organizations, such as when picking board members—are essential. Your organization lacks a voice at the table for everyone if it's not entirely representative of its members.

There are things you can do to help promote equity, even on a personal level. Take stock of where you go to school or work, live, spend your free time, and worship. Think about who might be unfairly disadvantaged in these areas.

Consider what services you can bring to help promote equity. You might ask yourself questions like:

• Can you be an ally to help them feel better included, to make them better aware of opportunities and resources?
• Can you partner with them and be a friend? 
• Because of your status, can you become a leader in those domains that initiate change?
• Do you have support services that make things go better for people?
• Do you have the material capacity to create change in these spaces by funding programs and initiatives? 

Any degree of help toward equity matters, whether you only have the means to be a friend, confidant, or supporter. Raising awareness is also essential. Not everyone understands the difference between equality and equity. Talk meaningfully with people who are impacted by inequity, and check your biases. They are ultimately the experts of their experiences.

A Quick Review

Equality and equity are essential concepts regarding fairness and justice, but these are two separate concepts. Equality is the access to and even distribution of resources across people. Equity, on the other hand, helps even the playing field so everyone can thrive. This involves changing the systemic and structural barriers that disproportionally affect marginalized communities.

You can help inspire equality and equity in your community, even if that simply means being a friend or ally to someone who experiences disadvantages.