All Are Equal, Some are More Equal? The Question of Equality vs Equity.

Sounds similar, probably means the same thing, but you are reading an article about it anyway. Great start, hope you have your snacks ready.

Equality should be the more familiar term, equal rights, equal opportunities, equal status, equal representation and the other list of equals which is in some cases given, some cases not possible (and most instances hoped for) We live in a complex world, with societal frameworks that are difficult to navigate (much like placing an order at a Starbucks) in most aspects of life, and the fact that humans have evolved to be social beings, may not have entirely helped this case (not blaming humans of course, they have plenty to take responsibility of already) Regardless, the common cry, from the most free nations in the world, to those where one can only imagine the extent and plight of the suppressed people, is the concept of Equality, and I will not deny its importance. Equality, defined as the state of quality to be equal in regards, for this context, ability, value and rank as per the dictionary, is a concept that is too vast to simply put down in technically verbose textbook definition. Almost everyone has sought for the same unbeknownst to themselves, in various minute and major moments of their life.

Equity (not the one in finance) on the other hand, is a relatively novel concept, presumably an afterthought of a more privileged society, and this is defined as ‘the state of being impartial’, is probably as vaguely defined as quantum physics to a common person (if you happen to have extensive knowledge on this field, my apologies) But the sheer scope of interpreting the term of equity leaves us with enough room to argue both its application and necessity in real life scenarios.

Start off by observing this picture. Probably oversimplifies this concept to you, but it encapsulates perfectly what the aim of Equity is, fairness. As opposed to the probable notion, just because we can provide equality, does not imply fairness is automatically associated.

Equity, in my perception, is not the equality given by virtue of rights or opportunity, but instead stands for how much of that equality translates into a fair and practical possibility and provision for different individuals to achieve their aspirations. In essence, the whole concept of equity came into being, because certain individuals or groups could not access with the same productivity the technical equals given to them.

All well said, a tad philosophic and a few moments later, it is natural to wonder, what I, an average Joe can do with this renewed perception of equality and conception of equity. Its implications mainly have to do with social reasoning and justice. While , in theory, concepts such as The Rule of Law could dictate how everyone should be subject to the same set of rules, this game would be hypothetically unfair if we disregarded the several practical challenges a society poses on its restrictions everyday. For too much rigidity and the scope for development freezes and too much flexibility, and the structure on which justice was built collapses. A notable example of equity in application could be the principle of reservations. Some countries, primarily the South-Asian and Asian nations, increasingly resort to this measure to ensure ‘equality’ in an ever diverse society. The argument against reservations, cannot be ignored, since it argues in favor of equality. But the argument for reservations, also argues in favor of equality. It is remarkably interesting how both views can have a difference of day and night, but in essence justifies for the same cause. Reservations in this case, is deemed appropriate for some countries owing to previous oppression, certain communities may take time to integrate with mainstream societies, and it is the present communities society to ensure that this mainstreaming takes place while their modern needs are met in an ever-changing and confusing world. It goes without saying, this system could have and develop several flaws over time. A brilliant idea 50 years ago, could be viewed as unviable and at times crazy. As such, even reservations, may saturate this purpose and will prove counter intuitive once its main purpose, that is facilitation of backward communities has been achieved.

The World changes, the environment changes, and society changes, but Humans do not. We evolve. Not necessarily for the better always, however as this evolution takes center stage with our assumed topic of a fair, just and progressive society, the question of ‘How do I achieve Equity’ takes precedence over ‘How do I achieve equality’ and rightly so. I am more than confident to say, in the coming years, the over-enthusiastic and curious youth yearning for progress, will have reflected or countered what I have written today. Time is the only constant, Tomorrow is an uncertainty, but it will certainly not be something that we have witnessed previously. As such, I could conclude that society and governments today, while aspiring for equality in underprivileged areas, must also look to equity. For the purpose of equality is lost, if the people supposed to be accessing it are unable to do so. That, dear readers, is equity, a culmination of change for a positive result. To leave you with a remark by Sheryl Sandberg, “We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change.”

-Johan Varghese Sajan