Equity versus equality – why you need to know the difference

If there is one conversation I just love to unpack it’s the one that starts with ‘I treat everyone the same’, a conversation that often includes other comments like ‘I don’t see race’ and ‘I don’t see gender’.

While well intentioned, this view is ill-informed. Inclusivity requires a more nuanced approach that recognises and accommodates individual differences and systemic barriers rather than applying a uniform standard that might not effectively meet everyone’s needs.

What is needed is a deeper understanding the different concepts of equality and equity.

I regularly use illustrations to help explain the difference between equality and equity, which can be quite a tricky topic. The images aren’t perfect. While they have been adapted and improved upon the more we explore and learn, they are not without their limitations.

However, we all know that a picture tells a thousand words and I believe we can be considerate of their limitations and not trade progress for perfection!

The fence at the baseball game

Originally designed in 2012 to illustrate the different thinking of Liberals and Conservatives in American politics, Craig Froehle’s ‘accidental meme’ aimed to make the point that ‘equal opportunity’ alone isn’t a satisfactory goal and that we need to consider the quality of outcomes.

Since its creation, it has been adapted and changed in hundreds of ways to convey slightly different ideas.

The adapted version that resonates with me most is this.

To explain, we tend to make an assumption that we are inclusive if we treat everybody equally. The problem with that is, it ignores the concept of equity.

In the first image, you can see that everybody benefits from the same support. They are all being provided with a crate to see over the fence; they’re being treated equally. But the shorter person in that picture still can’t see the game.

In the second image the individuals are given different support based on their height, to make it possible for them to have equal access. So, the shortest person has been given two boxes so they can see over the fence, which seems ok from a fairness perspective.

But the third image is where advocacy comes in because we see a complete redesign, a systemic change, where the barrier is replaced with a clear fence so that everybody can see, and the boxes don’t need to be provided at all.

The Apple Tree

Similarly, the apple tree illustration is another popular way to illustrate equality and equity.

It depicts individuals trying to pick apples from a tree with different types of support.

4 images of people trying to pick fruit off an apple tree that illustrate the difference between inequity, equality and equity

The first image shows inequality where one person has limited access to the apples on the tree.

The second again shows the image of giving two people the same support and how that still doesn’t achieve equality.

The third shows how a greater level of support provides for equitable access to the fruit.

Whereas the final depiction shows that if you could straighten the tree, the barrier to access would be removed, and the person on the right would no longer need a taller ladder.

The ‘teach a person to fish’ analogy (Cynthia Park)

Based on the proverb ‘Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.’

Here, you can obviously see the person fishing on the right has a much greater ability to improve their catch with a long rod rather than the short net, which limits them to a smaller pool.

Other options…

The road-crossing metaphor

The bicycle metaphor

Being aware of limitations

Regardless of which illustration you prefer, when having this conversation it is important to remember that these pictures can be flawed due to several inherent limitations:

  • Oversimplification: Visual metaphors often simplify complex social issues. They might not capture the full range of individual needs and systemic factors that contribute to inequality or inequity.
  • Context dependence: These illustrations typically assume a static situation without considering the varying contexts and circumstances that affect individuals differently in real life.
  • Lack of nuance: Many illustrations show only one aspect of equity or equality. They might not address the dynamic and multifaceted nature of these concepts, such as how historical and structural factors impact access and opportunities.
  • Generalisation: By depicting only a few individuals or scenarios, these illustrations might generalise or overlook specific needs, intersections of identity and the complexities of addressing systemic issues.
  • Fixed scenarios: They often portray fixed scenarios without considering how solutions might need to evolve over time or how new challenges might arise.

Awareness over accuracy

Regardless of their limitations, the priority needs to be general awareness rather than deep understanding as we look to make everyday adjustments to attitudes and understanding of these concepts in the workplace. So, my advice is to choose your illustration, recognise no single illustration is perfect and get on with having this important conversation in your workplace.

I cannot wait to hear how you have engaged in the Equality vs. Equity conversation and which image best helps you and others understand.