Equality vs. Equity–Words Can Be Dangerous

Equality and equity are two concepts that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Equality refers to the idea that everyone should have the same opportunities and rights, regardless of their background or circumstances. Equity, on the other hand, recognizes that people come from different backgrounds and face different challenges, and it aims to level the playing field by providing resources and support to those who need it most.

The difference between equality and equity can be illustrated with a simple example. Imagine a group of people trying to look over a fence to watch a game. If everyone is of the same height, then giving everyone the same size box to stand on would be an example of equality. However, if some people are shorter than others, giving everyone the same size box would not be fair, since some people would still struggle to see over the fence. In this case, providing taller boxes to those who need them would be an example of equity.

Equity is a founding principle of socialism and communism. Socialism is an economic and political system that aims to create a more equal and just society by redistributing wealth and resources. Socialists believe that everyone should have access to the same basic needs, such as healthcare, education, and housing, regardless of their income or social status. In order to achieve this goal, socialists advocate for policies that promote equity, such as progressive taxation, welfare programs, and public services. Unions are usually nonexistent as governments do not “collective bargain” with workers.

In a socialist society, the government plays a large role in ensuring that resources are distributed equitably. This means that the government might provide free healthcare and education to all citizens, regardless of their ability to pay. It might also provide affordable housing or basic income to those who need it most. The goal of these policies is to create a society where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Critics of socialism argue that it is not feasible to create a completely equal society, since people have different abilities and motivations. They argue that socialism tends to stifle innovation and entrepreneurship, since it does not reward people for their hard work or ingenuity. They also argue that socialism tends to lead to government overreach and inefficiency, since the government is responsible for providing so many services.