Why People Aim for Equality, Not Equity

In today's society, the terms equality and equity are often used interchangeably, but in reality, they have distinct definitions and implications. While many aspire to achieve true equality, the practical implementation of equity can often be more complex and nuanced. In this article, we will explore why people often aim for equality, and why equity might be the more effective path toward true fairness and justice.

The Myth of Equality

At a surface level, equality seems like the perfect solution. It implies that everyone should receive the same treatment, providing a level playing field for all. However, in many cases, this approach can lead to unintended consequences that exacerbate existing disparities.

Consider a scenario where an organization implements a 10% equal pay raise across the board. A manager earning ￡2,000 monthly will receive an extra ￡240 annually, while a production worker earning ￡1,200 monthly will have an additional ￡144 annually. In this scenario, the initial promise of equality actually widens the pay gap.

The Case for Equity

Equity, on the other hand, takes into account individual circumstances and needs. Based on the equitable pay raise, the production worker would receive a ￡120 raise per month, while for the manager, it would mean only a ￡6 raise. This approach maintains, or potentially shrinks, the pay gap, making it a more practical and fair solution.

The Case Against Equity

Despite the noble intentions, the implementation of equity often faces significant challenges. Some argue that certain individuals deserve a better standard of living, especially those who work harder or have more skills. However, this belief overlooks the systemic issues that prevent many from working or succeeding.

For example, the standard of living for individuals who are unable to work, due to disability or other circumstances, should be different from those who can work. The same goes for those who choose not to work. Their lack of engagement is often a result of systemic failures, such as inadequate education, economic opportunities, or social support.

Equality vs. Equity in Practice

Equality can be framed as a good thing in certain societal contexts, such as access to education and opportunities for promotion. In a democratic republic, equality of opportunity is fundamental, ensuring that everyone has an equal chance to succeed and achieve their goals. This is why there is no pushback against equality.

Equity, however, is a more challenging goal to achieve. While it aims to provide fair treatment based on individual needs, it can be seen as undermining the ideals of the civil rights movement. This is because equity often requires discriminatory measures, such as affirmative action, to achieve fairness in a short timeframe. The Harvard Admissions case before the Supreme Court serves as a prominent example of this debate.

Conclusion

While both equality and equity are important, the practical implementation of equity can lead to more just outcomes. Focusing on creating systems that address individual needs and circumstances can help to shrink the pay gap and promote true fairness and justice.

Understanding the difference between equality and equity is crucial for creating more equitable societies. The path to equity requires acknowledging and addressing systemic issues, rather than simply implementing blanket measures that can exacerbate existing disparities.