Equity vs. Equitable — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 6, 2024
Equity refers to fairness or justice in the way people are treated, while equitable describes actions or policies that ensure fairness.
Difference Between Equity and Equitable
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Equity is a concept focused on achieving fair outcomes by considering the different needs and circumstances of individuals. It emphasizes adjusting supports to achieve an equal playing field for everyone. On the other hand, equitable pertains to actions or situations characterized by fairness, often involving the distribution of resources or opportunities to ensure everyone has what they need to succeed.
Equity often involves structural or systemic change to address inherent inequalities within organizations, societies, or systems. This might mean different treatment for different groups to ensure equal outcomes. Whereas, describing something as equitable usually refers to the application of fairness in specific situations or decisions, ensuring that processes are just and unbiased.
Equity is typically used in discussions about social justice, education, and access to resources, pointing towards the ideal of fairness achieved through recognition of diversity and individual challenges. While, equitable is used to describe methods, practices, or policies that are fair and impartial, often in legal, educational, and policy-making contexts.
Equity requires a deep understanding of the disparities and barriers specific groups face, aiming to compensate or remove these barriers. Conversely, being equitable means applying principles of fairness in everyday actions and decisions, which can help move towards broader goals of equity.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Fairness in conditions and treatment.
Characterized by fairness, just.
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Focus
Outcome-oriented, addressing specific needs.
Process-oriented, ensuring fair treatment.
Contexts
Social justice, education, access to resources.
Legal processes, policies, educational practices.
Approach
Often involves systemic change.
Involves fair and impartial actions.
Implementation
Tailored interventions to achieve fairness.
Fair application in actions and decisions.
Compare with Definitions
Equity
A condition that follows principles of justice.
The nonprofit works towards equity in education for all children.
Equitable
Acting without favoritism or discrimination.
The teacher’s equitable treatment of students promoted a positive classroom atmosphere.
Equity
Fair adjustment of various elements within a system to achieve equal treatment.
Equity in employment may require affirmative action policies.
Equitable
Fair distribution or treatment in a specific instance.
Equitable access to resources ensures that everyone has what they need to succeed.
Equity
The aim to understand and give people what they need to enjoy full, healthy lives.
Urban planners design public spaces with equity in mind, ensuring accessibility for all.
Equitable
Just and reasonable in the conduct or judgment.
Equitable policies in workplaces help maintain a balanced and fair environment.
Equity
The quality of being fair and impartial.
Equity in healthcare means everyone receives care based on their specific needs.
Equitable
Characterized by fairness or impartiality.
The judge made an equitable decision that was fair to all parties involved.
Equity
Recognition and rectification of imbalances.
Equity demands more than equality by acknowledging that different people have different circumstances.
Equitable
Implementing fairness especially in terms of justice or law.
Equitable laws aim to protect all citizens regardless of background.
Equity
The state or quality of being just and fair.
Equitable
Fair and impartial
The equitable distribution of resources
Equity
Something that is just and fair.
Equitable
Valid in equity as distinct from law
The beneficiaries have an equitable interest in the property
The difference between legal and equitable rights
Equity
Justice achieved not simply according to the strict letter of the law but in accordance with principles of substantial justice and the unique facts of the case.
Equitable
Showing or characterized by equity; just and fair. ]
Equity
See court of equity.
Equitable
Marked by or having equity.
Equity
An equitable right or claim
An analysis of the equities and inequities brought about by the current trade bill.
Equitable
Fair, just, or impartial.
Equity
Ownership interest in a corporation, property, or other holding, usually calculated as the value of the holding after subtracting any debt or liabilities.
Equitable
(legal) Relating to the general principles of justice that correct or supplement the provisions of the law.
Equity
Equities Shares of common stock or preferred stock.
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.
Equity
The value of a brand's reputation.
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.
Equity
Representing an ownership interest
An equity stake.
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
Equity
Of or relating to stocks
An equity mutual fund.
Equity
Subordinated to all other claims on income, earnings, or assets
The equity tranche.
Equity
Fairness, impartiality, or justice as determined in light of "natural law" or "natural right".
Equity
(legal) Various related senses originating with the Court of Chancery in late Medieval England
Equity
(legal) The power of a court of law having extra-statutory discretion, to decide legal matters and to provide legal relief apart from, though not in violation of, the prevailing legal code; in some cases, a court "sitting in equity" may provide relief to a complainant should the code be found either inapplicable or insufficient to do so.
Equity
(legal) A right which accrues to a party in a transaction because of the nature of the transaction itself, and which is exercisable upon a change of circumstances or conditions; in other words, an equitable claim.
Equity
The body of law which was developed in the English Court of Chancery, which Court had extra-statutory discretion, and is now administered alongside the common law of Britain.
Equity
(finance) Various senses related to net value
Equity
Value of property minus liens or other encumbrances.
Home equity
I have a lot of equity in my house.
Equity
(business) Ownership, especially in terms of net monetary value of some business.
Equity
(accounting) Ownership interest in a company as determined by subtracting liabilities from assets.
Equity
(poker) A player's expected share of the pot.
Equity
(nonstandard) Equality
Equity
Equality of rights; natural justice or right; the giving, or desiring to give, to each man his due, according to reason, and the law of God to man; fairness in determination of conflicting claims; impartiality.
Christianity secures both the private interests of men and the public peace, enforcing all justice and equity.
Equity
An equitable claim; an equity of redemption; as, an equity to a settlement, or wife's equity, etc.
I consider the wife's equity to be too well settled to be shaken.
Equity
A system of jurisprudence, supplemental to law, properly so called, and complemental of it.
Equity had been gradually shaping itself into a refined science which no human faculties could master without long and intense application.
Equity
The difference between the market value of a property and the claims held against it
Equity
The ownership interest of shareholders in a corporation
Equity
Conformity with rules or standards;
The judge recognized the fairness of my claim
Common Curiosities
Can a society achieve equity without being equitable?
Achieving true equity typically requires equitable actions; without equitable practices, systemic inequalities are likely to persist.
Why is equity important in society?
Equity is important because it addresses systemic inequalities that prevent certain groups from having the same opportunities and benefits as others.
What are examples of equitable practices in education?
Equitable practices in education include providing additional support to students who face learning barriers, such as language differences or disabilities.
How can a policy be equitable?
A policy is equitable when it fairly considers and effectively addresses the specific needs and circumstances of all groups affected by it.
What role does fairness play in equitable decision-making?
Fairness is central to equitable decision-making; it ensures that decisions consider all aspects and impacts on various groups without bias.
How can one measure equity in a community?
Equity in a community can be measured by assessing disparities in health, education, employment, and access to services among different demographic groups.
What are the challenges in implementing equity?
Challenges include resistance to change, the complexity of identifying all inequalities, and the need for continuous adjustment of policies and practices.
Is equitable treatment always equal?
Equitable treatment involves fairness and may require unequal resources to ensure equal outcomes, contrasting with equal treatment, which distributes resources uniformly.
What is the difference between equity and equality?
Equity involves recognizing different circumstances and allocating the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome, while equality treats everyone the same regardless of their needs.
Can an individual be equitable in their everyday life?
Yes, individuals can practice equitable behavior by treating others fairly and considering individual circumstances in their interactions.
What does it mean for a workplace to be equitable?
An equitable workplace is one where all employees have access to the same opportunities, resources, and fair treatment, regardless of their background or status.
How do equity and fairness differ?
Equity focuses on outcomes that adjust for inequalities, while fairness often relates to the unbiased processes used to achieve those outcomes.
How does equity relate to social justice?
Equity is a core component of social justice, as it seeks to understand and address systemic inequalities that affect access to rights and opportunities.
How does being equitable affect relationships?
Being equitable in relationships can build trust and respect, as it shows consideration and fairness to all parties involved.
What is the goal of equity in public policy?
The goal of equity in public policy is to create conditions that allow all individuals to reach their full potential, regardless of their starting point in life.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
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.
