As part of our Inclusive Language Series, we are introducing some terms and resources for you to learn more about this semester in an effort to create more inclusive communities. This week, we are discussing Equity vs. Equality.
While these terms might sound similar, they are different and drastically result in different outcomes when responding to inequitable situations. The below image helps to visualize these differences:
As we can see in the above image by Tony Ruth, the tree helps to represent our systems and institutions, in which the tree is bent to one side and thus giving that side more access to fruit. Note, while the tree might have a naturally occurring bend, it’s important to remember that the social systems and institutions that are in our society are not naturally inequitable, but instead, the result of discriminatory practices and beliefs that has made them intentionally designed to reward certain demographics.
The thought behind equality is that each person or group of people is given the same tools and resources, or opportunities. We can see that if we were just to apply equality in our answer to the inequity to this situation, that is everyone gets a ladder of the same height, it doesn’t help solve the problem for the person on the right. They are still at a disadvantage.
Equity, on the other hand, recognizes that people have different circumstances, and then allocates the tools and resources, or opportunities based on what the individual needs to reach an equal outcome. We see this illustrated by the right side having a larger ladder in order to have the same opportunity to pick fruit from the tree as the left side. Equity ensures that everyone is able to have the same opportunity.
It’s important to note that while equity can help create equal opportunities, it doesn’t fix or solve the inequity built into the system. Addressing the root cause of inequity, such as standing the tree straighter so that both sides can access the fruit, is an important step towards reaching justice.
How does this image help change how you view the institutions in your life?
Upcoming Holidays and Observances
April 24: Armenian Martyrs’ Day recognizes the genocide of approximately 1.5 million Armenians between 1915 and 1923 in Turkey.
April 25-26 (sundown to sundown): Yom Ha’Atzmaut, national Independence Day in Israel
April 29: Ninth Day of Ridvan, a festival of joy and unity in the Bahá’í faith to commemorate the reunification of Bahá’u’lláh’s family and by extension the unity of the entire human family the Bahá’í faith calls for. It permeates the symbolic meaning of the Ninth Day of Ridvan.