Although we often use Equity and Equality interchangeably in our everyday conversation, they are actually not the same.
One of the most popular illustrations used to explain the difference shows three people of different heights trying to watch a baseball game over a wooden fence.
The left side illustrates equality. Here, equality means giving everyone the exact same treatment. Each person receives one box of the same size to stand on, regardless of their height. Although the treatment is identical, the shortest person still cannot see over the fence. Equal treatment does not create equal opportunity.
The right side illustrates equity. Here, equity means giving resources according to individual need. The tallest person needs no box, the middle person gets one box, and the shortest person gets two boxes. By adjusting the support to each person’s height, everyone can see the game equally well. Equity ensures a fair outcome for everyone.
Equality and Equity in my Family
Looking back at how my parents raised the seven of us, I am amazed by how they practiced equality and equity throughout their parenting process. My dad and mom treated all seven of us in exactly the same way. They loved us all equally and knew that we were all born different, so they constantly adjusted their parenting to fit our unique needs.
A typical example of how equality and equity was applied in my home was how we were assigned household chores. All of us were given the task to carry firewood (now we have electricity), fetch water from the streams (now we have tap water), take care of cattle, and do farming. That was equality in practice. In terms of equity, my elder siblings were tasked with carrying large bundles of firewood or more quantity of water, while the youngest siblings carried lighter tasks of the same thing or be at home doing the dishes, helping our mother to cook, or cleaning the house.
My sisters and I also received exact same amount of pocket money when we go to the school. Often, my elder sisters got a little extra money to buy additional school supplies, while I got some money but enough to buy a few simple treats.
All these parenting techniques involved customising parental treatment fairly based on our needs. My parents ensured that all of us were given a genuine and fair chance to learn, grow, and experience so that we adapt to the world at our own pace.
Equality and Equity in School Setting
Understanding that the difference between equity and equality can shape how fair a classroom truly feels for every learner, I have always considered the distinction between in very practical ways.
Equality in the classroom as compared to equity was largely cared by the school itself. For example, every student received the same textbook, the same amount of teaching time, the same homework, and the same test conditions, regardless of their individual background or ability. This was done fairly and no student would receive more or less than anyone else.
However, my role was more necessary and needed for to ensure that there was equity in the classroom. Student with learning difficulties (e.g., slow learners) were identified and given additional separate attention inside the class and given customised learning materials to learn at their own pace. Students whom I learned to have come from a broken family, or a disadvantaged background would not pay any monetary contribution to the school or print project works as I would do on their behalf from my own without public announcement, so that their learning opportunities are not impacted in the school, financially or emotionally. Equity does not mean lowering standards or giving unfair advantages; rather, it means levelling the starting point so that every child has a genuine opportunity to succeed. By giving additional help to those slow learners, I did not neglect other students. Instead, I gave those fast learners an opportunity to engage in peer tutoring and peer learning process. By paying for those who could not, I did not create a fair disadvantage for those who could pay, but I helped those financially incapable but potential in learning students get the same chance to take part and showcase their ability.
Does it Matter in Education?
Yes, absolutely.
Over my 12 years of teaching across four different schools and levels, I have come to understand that, when schools rely only on equality, the students who already face disadvantages, whether from poverty, disability, language barriers, or a broken home, tend to fall further behind. This happens simply because they are treated the same as everyone else, even though they did not start from the same place.
When equity is given equal attention, it helps to narrow down or close these gaps. It comes from understanding that fairness does not always mean treating everyone the same way.
So, why it matters in education is because, in the end, a good education system needs both. Equality makes sure no student is denied the basic rights or chances that others get. Equity makes sure that extra support reaches the ones who need it most, so that every child, no matter where they start, gets a real chance to do well.
Equality and equity often go hand in hand, but they are not the same thing. The difference between them matters a great deal in conversations about policy, education, and social justice, since choosing one approach over the other can lead to very different outcomes.
