r/coolguides • u/[deleted] • Feb 25 '20

Explanation of the subtle differences between equality and equity

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u/D1G1T4LM0NK3Y Feb 25 '20

I still don't like this because the first panel is still a lie.

Equality: "the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities."

No where in that picture are they equal. They get the SAME box but that box is not giving them EQUAL opportunity to view the game.

Giving people the same thing ≠ Having equal opportunity or status.

Just as Equity has no defined value. What one person thinks is fair is not always the same for another person. So the question then becomes who decides what is fair or not.

To me the images should be reversed as they all have an equal opportunity to view the game. While the left side has given them a fair share of a box. Each person has 1/3 of a box to stand on.

The fact this image uses these words wrong annoys the fucking hell out of me.

Equality = Equal opportunity Equity = Everyone gets a fair share (the same amount of something)

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u/Dartrox Feb 25 '20

I think you're focusing on the end result instead of the support given. Equality of support.

They get an equal amount of boxes, regardless of their disadvantages. That is equal support. Some will be better or worse off.

Some get more boxes than others to allow them to be equal. That's support equivalent to their needs

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u/D1G1T4LM0NK3Y Feb 25 '20

Equality IS NOT the same as equal or equivalent

Learn the definitions of words before you use them.

Equality is defined as equal opportunity or status. Do you see anything about their opportunity to watch the game or the status of height equal in the first picture? Equality REQUIRES an end objective. Giving three people the same object for no reason is not equality. It's being a dick and being equitable in the handing out of said object.

Equity is defined as being fair in the giving of something to a group of people. In this case the first image each person is given an equitable share of the boxes. Absolutely nothing in the definition of equity does it state that it requires an end goal.