What is the primary distinction between equity and equality?

The primary distinction between equity and equality is best captured by the notion that equity gives each person what they need to succeed. This means that in an equitable system, resources and support are allocated according to individual needs and circumstances, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to thrive.

For example, consider a race where competitors start at different distances based on their individual abilities or challenges. In this scenario, providing additional support to certain individuals allows them to reach a similar outcome as others who may not need that same level of assistance. This approach recognizes that people are not starting from the same place and therefore require different levels of support to achieve comparable results.

In contrast, equity is often misinterpreted as equality, where the assumption is that giving everyone the same resources can lead to fair outcomes. While equality aims to provide the same level of resources or opportunities for everyone, it does not take into account the diverse needs of individuals. Thus, equality may not address systemic barriers that can impede certain groups or individuals from fully succeeding.

Through understanding equity in this way, it becomes clear that its focus is on lifting people up based on their unique circumstances, which is essential for fostering true inclusivity and fairness in any setting.