Joshua Silva

English 2850
Elisa Stone

Equity vs. Equality:

Equality is something we as a society should strive for. It is a cornerstone in the
Constitution of the United States saying that, all men are created equal. Here in the year 2016
society is trying, not for the lack of effort by some, to make equality a fully realized dream.
Equality is basically that all rights afforded to one extend to all. On a somewhat related social
level is equity. Equity is affording everyone the same opportunity to achieve his or her fullest
potential. As much as equity and equality are similar, they are very different. It is those
differences that people fail to understand.
There are always those who are going to fight equity, never fully looking at the broader
issues. Take for example the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. Many of
the people that are against the ACA, are such due to the belief that their taxes will rise. Fact is
for most of the approximately 85% of Americans who have health insurance and who make less
than $250,000 a year. (Wood) Despite putting the same amount in to a system that gives
everyone the same opportunity for health, there are some that view this as unfair. But is it society
at large that needs to help make equity a reality?
Functionally speaking, anything that gives people the same benefits be it health,
education, or life pursuits can never be a bad thing. Social equity leaves plenty of room for
individuals, households, and communities to seek the mix of economic, social, and ecological
assets that best reflects their values. It critically depends on diverse local economies that provide
a wide range of work options for those of all ages and skills. (Ecotrust) It is in those standards

that society must strive for. But standards are not enough; society needs to implement a way to
make these tangible to the common person.
Equality, as mentioned, is something that should be extended to everyone. Equity should
be as well, but the fact remains that it is not. There are many areas were access to resources are
scarce at best. Schools in poorer urban areas go without, while those in upscale centers flourish.
While some many claim that this is an inequality, this is not the case. All children have access to
education. In theory all people, young and old, have access to medical treatment. This is where
some may think that all is done for equity.
For the LGBT community one form of equity is sought in healthcare. Fact is LGBT
individuals experience poorer health outcomes than their heterosexual peers. These poor
outcomes are a result of differences in access to health coverage; limited availability of culturally
competent health care services; absence of medical settings that are affirming and free of
discrimination (Winter) This equity is being denied to a demographic of humans. Without
access to medication, lifespan is drastically cut short.
A healthy life should always be an option. But essentially that is what equity should be,
an option to achieve with the proper resources that are given to any individual who wants them.
Equity is giving more to those that need it. If a person is given all the tools needed, is that
enough? Society cannot, nor should it, force someone to utilize any social help. That is the
distinct difference with equity and equality.
While most literature for the LGBT community uses equity and equality interchangeably,
this is a flaw. A person who cannot achieve their fullest potential because they come from a poor
downtrodden area is a lack of equity. If a person cannot achieve their potential because they are
gay or a minority, or female, is a lack of equality.

If the proper investments are made to society, then equity could be achieved. A poor
school would receive more money than a rich one so that both schools are the same footing.
Clinics in poorer areas can help all those that come in without fear of how this person is going to
pay. Someone who suffers from HIV can get their medicine despite not having money just as
easy as those that do have money.
But equity comes with responsibility. Just because the tools are given to help a person
achieve, does not mean they will use it. Where does society cut of equity to an individual? If a
person is given all the opportunities they need to make themselves better, and they squander
those opportunities, should help still be given? How many chances should they get? These are
difficult questions, but they do need answers.
Since at the core equity is fairness, one would argue that fairness is only as much as the
person makes of it. The next man up mentality is basically, we have given you everything, and
you did nothing with it, now its time for the next person. Equality is sameness; we all get the
same rights, freedoms and pursuits. Equality cannot be taken away. Equity is fairness, and what
is fair can only extend so far. If full equity is ever achieved, it is up to society as a whole to make
sure that our investment is grown properly.

References
Ecotrust. http://www.reliableprosperity.net/social_equity.html. 2015. 23 4
2016 <http://www.reliableprosperity.net/social_equity.html>.
Winter, C. "Responding to LGBT Health Disparities." Missouri Foundation for
Health 8 2012.
Wood, Robert, W.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood/2015/02/17/how-manyobamacare-taxes-are-there/#60bf87a250f6. 17 2 2015. 24 4 2016

<http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood/2015/02/17/howmany-obamacare-taxes-are-there/#60bf87a250f6>.