What is the difference between Equality & Equity?
In a recent Class Chat, Leith brought up the similar – yet distinctively different – concepts of "equal" and "equitable". While both these principles are foundational to conversations about fairness and justice, they have distinctly different meanings:
Equal refers to treating everyone the same, without consideration for individual differences or needs. It is about ensuring that each person has an identical share. The principle of equality emphasizes uniformity and consistency in treatment and opportunities. For instance, in an equal distribution scenario, every individual would receive the same amount of resources regardless of their specific circumstances or requirements.
Equitable, on the other hand, focuses on fairness and justice in treatment, recognizing that different people have different needs and circumstances. Equity involves adjusting the share or treatment to achieve fairness in outcomes. In an equitable distribution scenario, resources are allocated based on individual needs, with the goal of achieving an equal outcome for everyone involved.
While equality is about providing the same resources or opportunities to all, equity is about distributing resources or opportunities in a way that accounts for individual differences and aims at equal outcomes.
Implications for Parenting and Partnership
The division of household tasks between two parents through the lenses of equality and equity offers a practical example of how these concepts play out in daily life and partnership dynamics. Understanding these differences can help in creating a more harmonious and supportive home environment.
An equal division of household tasks implies that both parents share the responsibilities 50/50, or as close to that as possible, regardless of their individual circumstances, capabilities, or preferences. This approach focuses on the quantity of tasks or the time spent on chores being distributed evenly between the partners. For instance, if there are ten chores to be done weekly, each parent would be responsible for five. Or, if one parent spends an hour cooking, the other should also spend an equal amount of time on another task, like cleaning.
An equitable division, on the other hand, takes into account the unique circumstances, abilities, preferences, and time constraints of each parent to distribute household tasks in a way that feels fair and supportive to both individuals. This approach recognizes that an equal split may not be practical or realistic, depending on the parents' work schedules, energy levels, skills, and other considerations. For example, if one parent commutes a long distance for work, the other parent might take on more weekday household tasks. Or, tasks might be divided based on each parent's strengths and preferences, with one handling most of the laundry if they enjoy it more, and the other focusing on meal prep and cooking.
While equality in parenting and partnership emphasizes fairness through sameness, equity emphasizes fairness through justice and individual need. This can lead to a more balanced and harmonious home life, where both partners feel supported and valued.