With the frequency at which my kids exclaim that something is “unjust,” one might assume they are well-versed in the concept of fairness, also referred to as equity. However, their understanding is primarily rooted in envy and sibling competition. They are quick to identify when a brother or sister possesses something they desire or has received a larger share of a treat. But fairness isn’t about everyone having the same amount of everything. Despite their objections, my children often receive different treatments and belongings, as our family aims for equity rather than mere equality. As a parent of three kids who view everything as a resource, this can be a challenging lesson to impart and sometimes even harder to hear their grievances.
To assist your children—and yourself—in comprehending the difference between equity, or fairness, and equality, consider this analogy. If a teacher hands out bowls of ice cream with three identical scoops to each student, one might think this is fair since everyone receives the same. Yet, what about the child who is lactose intolerant or the one with a sore tooth who can’t eat cold foods? While the distribution appears equal, is it fair that two children can’t enjoy the treat? No, but if they are offered alternatives that accommodate their needs, the situation becomes equitable. Everyone then has the chance to partake in the celebration, despite their differing requirements.
Fairness, or equity, ensures that everyone receives what they need rather than just the same things. To foster an equitable society, we should strive for equitable situations. However, it isn’t just children who grapple with resource distribution; adults often cling to their advantages in wealth, power, and opportunities, believing that hard work alone guarantees success. In reality, some individuals require additional support to access the same opportunities. We should concentrate on ensuring that everyone has what they need rather than worrying about what we feel we might be losing.
When I attended college and needed financial assistance, the aid I received did not diminish the opportunities available to those with financial stability. We didn’t start with identical bank accounts, yet we both had the chance to pursue higher education because I qualified for assistance.
Some individuals may feel discontent when they see someone receiving something different. They may label support as a “handout” and argue that everyone should receive equal benefits. For instance, during the COVID-19 stimulus checks, some people believed that everyone should receive the same amount, viewing equality as fairness. However, not everyone requires the same financial assistance to improve their circumstances. Is it truly fair for a person with multiple properties and retirement savings to receive the same relief as a single parent struggling to make ends meet? No.
Moreover, it’s unjust that more systems aren’t in place to mitigate discrimination based on gender, race, and sexual orientation. If marginalized communities had better access to income, healthcare, and housing, the playing field would be more level. When everyone has their needs met, they tend to experience fewer struggles, greater happiness, and a stronger sense of community, leading to reduced competition and crime. This is a significant reason why Nordic countries consistently rank high in the UN’s World Happiness Report, as they prioritize equity through universal healthcare and education.
Children often perceive unfairness when another student receives extra help or when they feel their younger siblings are getting more attention. However, what they’re encountering is fairness. In order for a student to achieve a quality education, they may require different incentives or supports. Younger children naturally need more guidance and attention to ensure their safety and well-being. Similarly, older siblings can manage with less sleep; just because one child isn’t receiving the same privileges as another doesn’t mean they won’t eventually enjoy similar freedoms.
Educating our children about equity fosters empathy and compassion, encouraging them to shift away from self-centeredness and toward helping others in need. The objective in life is to create equitable environments where everyone can realize their full potential. To achieve this, some individuals may require additional support or different treatment, but true equity cannot exist if everyone is always given the same resources.
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Summary:
This article discusses the vital distinction between equality and equity, emphasizing the importance of understanding that fairness means catering to individual needs rather than providing identical resources to everyone. It aims to guide parents in teaching their children about fairness and empathy, ultimately fostering a more equitable society.
Keyphrase: Difference Between Equality and Equity
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