Equal vs. Equitable — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 24, 2024
Equal means giving the same to all, while equitable involves adjustments to ensure fairness and address specific needs.
Difference Between Equal and Equitable
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Equality refers to providing the same level of opportunity and assistance to all, which means no one is treated differently. On the other hand, equity involves recognizing that each person has different circumstances and allocating the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
While equality aims to promote fairness by treating everyone the same regardless of their personal circumstances, equity aims at fairness by treating people differently dependent on their needs. This differentiation helps in compensating for the disadvantages that some might face.
In practical applications, equality is straightforward—everyone receives the same resources, such as everyone getting the same salary for the same job. Whereas, equity would adjust resources to consider factors like socioeconomic background, disabilities, or other factors that might disadvantage someone.
In education, equality means providing every student with the same books and learning materials. Equitable treatment, however, would mean that resources are distributed based on the specific needs of the students, such as providing additional tutoring for students who need extra help.
The concept of equity acknowledges that while equality treats everyone the same, it might not be enough to result in fairness due to underlying disparities in society. Equity compensates for this by adding measures that provide greater support where it is needed most.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Treating everyone the same.
Adjusting treatment based on needs.
Focus
Uniformity.
Fairness in outcomes.
Approach
One-size-fits-all.
Tailored to individual circumstances.
Objective
To ensure everyone has the same starting point.
To ensure everyone has the same opportunity for success.
Common in
General policies, basic rights.
Resource allocation, educational and social programs.
Compare with Definitions
Equal
Having the same status, rights, or opportunities.
Every team member has an equal chance to express their ideas.
Equitable
Reflecting principles of equity.
They adopted an equitable pricing model that varies based on income.
Equal
Impartial or unbiased.
The judge treated all parties in the case as equals.
Equitable
Dealing fairly and equally with all concerned.
The company’s layoff process was conducted in an equitable manner.
Equal
Capable of being compared or worthy of comparison.
No one else's work is equal to hers in quality.
Equitable
Characterized by equity or fairness.
The resources were distributed equitably among all departments.
Equal
Uniform in application or effect.
The rules were applied equally to all employees.
Equitable
Just and fair, considering the circumstances.
The teacher made an equitable decision by extending the deadline for those affected by the outage.
Equal
Identical in size, quantity, or value.
Each slice of cake was cut to be exactly equal.
Equitable
Adjusting for fairness.
To make the competition more equitable, additional points were given to newer teams.
Equal
Being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value
1 litre is roughly equal to 1 quart
Add equal amounts of water and flour
Equitable
Fair and impartial
The equitable distribution of resources
Equal
Having the ability or resources to meet (a challenge)
The players proved equal to the task
Equitable
Valid in equity as distinct from law
The beneficiaries have an equitable interest in the property
The difference between legal and equitable rights
Equal
A person or thing that is the same as another in status or quality
Entertainment facilities without equal in the British Isles
We all treat each other as equals
Equitable
Showing or characterized by equity; just and fair. ]
Equal
Be the same as in number or amount
The total debits should equal the total credits
Four plus six divided by two equals five
Equitable
Marked by or having equity.
Equal
Having the same quantity, measure, or value as another.
Equitable
Fair, just, or impartial.
Equal
(Mathematics) Being the same or identical to in value.
Equitable
(legal) Relating to the general principles of justice that correct or supplement the provisions of the law.
Equal
Having the same privileges, status, or rights
Citizens equal before the law.
Equitable
Possessing or exhibiting equity; according to natural right or natural justice; marked by a due consideration for what is fair, unbiased, or impartial; just; as, an equitable decision; an equitable distribution of an estate; equitable men.
No two . . . had exactly the same notion of what was equitable.
Equal
Being the same for all members of a group
Gave every player an equal chance to win.
Equitable
That can be sustained or made available or effective in a court of equity, or upon principles of equity jurisprudence; as, an equitable estate; equitable assets, assignment, mortgage, etc.
Equal
Having the requisite qualities, such as strength or ability, for a task or situation
"Elizabeth found herself quite equal to the scene" (Jane Austen).
Equitable
Implying justice dictated by reason, conscience, and a natural sense of what is fair to all;
Equitable treatment of all citizens
An equitable distribution of gifts among the children
Equal
Similar to or the same as another, as in ability
As the playoffs began, the teams were considered roughly equal.
Equal
One that is equal to another
These two models are equals in computing power.
Equal
To be equal to, especially in value.
Equal
To do, make, or produce something equal to
Equaled the world record in the mile run.
Equal
(not comparable) The same in all respects.
Equal conditions should produce equal results.
All men are created equal.
Equal
Exactly identical, having the same value.
All right angles are equal.
Equal
(obsolete) Fair, impartial.
Equal
(comparable) Adequate; sufficiently capable or qualified.
This test is pretty tough, but I think I'm equal to it.
Equal
(obsolete) Not variable; equable; uniform; even.
An equal movement
Equal
(music) Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; not mixed.
Equal
To be equal to, to have the same value as; to correspond to.
Two plus two equals four.
Equal
(transitive) To make equivalent to; to cause to match.
David equaled the water levels of the bottles, so they now both contain exactly 1 liter.
Equal
(informal) To have as its consequence.
Losing this deal equals losing your job.
Might does not equal right.
Equal
A person or thing of equal status to others.
We're all equals here.
This beer has no equal.
Equal
(obsolete) State of being equal; equality.
Equal
Agreeing in quantity, size, quality, degree, value, etc.; having the same magnitude, the same value, the same degree, etc.; - applied to number, degree, quantity, and intensity, and to any subject which admits of them; neither inferior nor superior, greater nor less, better nor worse; corresponding; alike; as, equal quantities of land, water, etc. ; houses of equal size; persons of equal stature or talents; commodities of equal value.
Equal
Bearing a suitable relation; of just proportion; having competent power, abilities, or means; adequate; as, he is not equal to the task.
The Scots trusted not their own numbers as equal to fight with the English.
It is not permitted to me to make my commendations equal to your merit.
Whose voice an equal messengerConveyed thy meaning mild.
Equal
Not variable; equable; uniform; even; as, an equal movement.
Equal
Evenly balanced; not unduly inclining to either side; characterized by fairness; unbiased; impartial; equitable; just.
Are not my ways equal?
Thee, O Jove, no equal judge I deem.
Nor think it equal to answer deliberate reason with sudden heat and noise.
Equal
Of the same interest or concern; indifferent.
They who are not disposed to receive them may let them alone or reject them; it is equal to me.
Equal
Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; - opposed to mixed.
Equal
Exactly agreeing with respect to quantity.
Equal
One not inferior or superior to another; one having the same or a similar age, rank, station, office, talents, strength, or other quality or condition; an equal quantity or number; as, "If equals be taken from equals the remainders are equal."
Those who were once his equals envy and defame him.
Equal
State of being equal; equality.
Equal
To be or become equal to; to have the same quantity, the same value, the same degree or rank, or the like, with; to be commen urate with.
On me whose all not equals Edward's moiety.
Equal
To make equal return to; to recompense fully.
Who answered all her cares, and equaled all her love.
Equal
To make equal or equal to; to equalize; hence, to compare or regard as equals; to put on equality.
He would not equal the mind that he found in himself to the infinite and incomprehensible.
Equal
A person who is of equal standing with another in a group
Equal
Be identical or equivalent to;
One dollar equals 1,000 rubles these days!
Equal
Be equal to in quality or ability;
Nothing can rival cotton for durability
Your performance doesn't even touch that of your colleagues
Her persistence and ambition only matches that of her parents
Equal
Make equal, uniform, corresponding, or matching;
Let's equalize the duties among all employees in this office
The company matched the discount policy of its competitors
Equal
Well matched; having the same quantity, value, or measure as another;
On equal terms
All men are equal before the law
Equal
Equal in amount or value;
Like amounts
Equivalent amounts
The same amount
Gave one six blows and the other a like number
An equal number
The same number
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between equal and equitable?
Equal treatment involves giving the same to everyone, while equitable treatment means making adjustments to treat each person fairly based on their specific needs.
Is it possible to achieve equity without equality?
Yes, achieving equity often involves treating people differently, which might not always align with strict equality but is essential for fair outcomes.
Can a situation be equal but not equitable?
Yes, a situation can be equal but not equitable if the uniform treatment fails to address unequal needs or starting points among individuals.
How do governments typically ensure equity?
Governments ensure equity through targeted policies and programs that allocate resources to help those in poorer or disadvantaged conditions.
What is an example of equity in healthcare?
In healthcare, equity can be seen in providing more extensive medical services to underserved populations to improve health outcomes to a level comparable with better-served populations.
Why is equity considered important in society?
Equity is important because it aims to address imbalances and disparities that affect how individuals can benefit from the same opportunities, thereby promoting fairness.
Which is more suitable for workplace policies, equality or equity?
It depends on the goal; equality is suitable for ensuring everyone is treated the same under company policies, while equity is better for addressing diverse employee needs.
How do equality and equity apply in education?
In education, equality might mean giving every student the same textbook, while equity involves additional support for students who need more help to achieve similar educational outcomes.
What are the risks of focusing too much on equality?
Overemphasis on equality can ignore the varied needs of individuals, potentially leading to unfair outcomes where some are disadvantaged.
Can equality and equity coexist?
Yes, both can coexist when policies are designed to ensure basic equal rights and opportunities, while also incorporating adjustments to achieve equitable outcomes.
How can understanding equity help in personal relationships?
Understanding equity in personal relationships can lead to more sensitive and fair interactions, recognizing that treating everyone exactly the same is not always the most just approach.
How does societal perception of equality and equity differ?
Societal perception may vary; some view equality as inherently fair, while others believe equity is necessary to address systemic inequalities.
What are challenges to implementing equitable practices?
Challenges include determining what adjustments are necessary, resistance to perceived unfair advantages, and measuring the impact of equitable practices.
How can a business demonstrate its commitment to equity?
A business can demonstrate equity by implementing policies that recognize and address employee needs differently based on their circumstances.
What role does fairness play in equity?
Fairness is central to equity, as it involves understanding and addressing unequal starting points and barriers faced by individuals.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
