Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities.

Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.

The best way to show the difference between equality and equity is with an example.

For example, if I give a rich woman and a poor woman each $100 that would be an example of equality since I gave both the same amount of money.

Alternatively, if I gave a rich woman $100 and a poor woman $200, then it could be said I am trying to achieve equity by “fairly” giving the poor woman more help based on her financial situation.

Ideally, we would be able to achieve both equality and equity when it comes to the law and society, but this is usually very difficult.

Another example, a line of people of different heights are watching an even from behind a fence. Equality is giving each person a box to stand on to get a better view. Equity is giving each person a box of the right height for their stature, so they all get the same view.

However, knowing the difference between equality and equity will give you a better idea about what goal a person is trying to achieve and the proper word to use to describe it.

# Equality is giving everyone a shoe. Equity is giving everyone a shoe that fits.”

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