EQUALITY VERSUS EQUITY VERSUS JUSTICE
Improve Chances for Reasonably Similar Experiences
This poster titled "Equality versus Equity versus Justice" [PDF] [ JPEG ] can be saved, printed, and displayed as a frequent reminder of the similarities and differences between equality, equity, and justice.
We often ask, "What is the difference between equality, equity, and justice?" Frequently, we say we are fighting for equality. But, are we? Aren't we really fighting for equity? Aren't we really trying to work toward justice?
EQUALITY
When people talk about offering equality, often people believe each person must receive the same exact support as everyone else. The focus is on ensuring the same kind of support. Everyone receives the same kind of support. That is equality.
For example, if someone is watching a soccer game, but cannot see over the safety fence, they may need some support to comfortably watch the game. The fence is needed because it prevents people from walking onto the field, or getting hit by the ball, or ran into by distracted players running off the field. So, perhaps each person is provided a 2 foot tall box in hopes that they can see over the fence. The 2 foot tall box works for most people to see over the fence, so it seems reasonable.
Because there is just one kind of support, it is fairly easy and inexpensive to provide. The support doesn't take much to design, create, and provide. It doesn't use too many resources.
And, because there is only one kind of support available, it is easy for anyone to ask for support; "Can I have support, please?"
In the example of the soccer game, a person taller than average height can comfortably watch the game using the support box. But, a person in a wheelchair cannot get onto the provided support box, so they cannot see over the fence, therefore cannot enjoy the experience. Plus, anyone shorter than average adult height, including most children, still cannot see over the fence or enjoy the experience using the support box either.
So, offering the same support for everyone means that people will have very different experiences depending on their circumstances. Some people may not have a chance to enjoy the game, at all; to have an enjoyable experience, at all.
EQUITY
When people talk about offering equity, often people believe each person must have a reasonable chance to have a reasonably similar experience compared to everyone else's experiences. The focus is on ensuring a reasonably similar experience. Different supports are often available depending on a specific person's circumstances and needs. That is equity.
For example, in the example of the soccer game, an adult of average height or more may not need any support to see over the fence to have a reasonable chance of enjoying the game. A person using a wheelchair may need a 2 foot tall box with a ramp to have a reasonable chance of enjoying the game like everyone else. Anyone less than average height might need a box somewhere between 1 foot and 3 feet tall to have a reasonable chance of enjoying the game like everyone else.
Because there are so many different kinds of support, it is more difficult and expensive to provide. It takes more resources to design, create, and provide a wider variety of support.
And, because of the wide variety of support available, it is more difficult for anyone to ask for support; "Since my eyes are 2 feet from the ground, I need a 3 foot box. And, because I use a wheelchair, I need a ramp."
In the example of the soccer game where the focus is on equity, more people have a reasonable chance of having a reasonably similar experience; a reasonable chance of enjoying the game like everyone else.
JUSTICE
When people talk about offering justice, often people believe each person must have a reasonable chance to have a reasonably similar experience without needing support. The focus is on minimizing barriers or challenges that may interfere with a person's chances to have a reasonably similar experience compared to everyone else's experience. The focus is on barriers or challenges. That is justice.
For example, in the example of the soccer game, the biggest barrier for many people to enjoy the game is the large wooden fence that blocks their view. The fence is needed to keep people off of the playing field where they might get hurt, to stop the ball from going into the crowd and hurting someone, and to stop any distracted players from running into the crowd and hurting someone. How might we get the same protections of the existing fence without blocking the views of people watching the game? What if we replaced the wooden fence with a chain-link fence with openings small enough that the ball would not get through but large enough for people to see through?
The first key is asking, "How might we [satisfy our needs] and [satisfy the needs of our audience or our users]?" The second key is creatively thinking about possibilities. Simply doing our best to practice compassion, wisdom, and persistence for others and ourselves given our unique challenges and our limited available resources.
A chain-link fence allows more people to have a similar experience without needing any support to accommodate their differences in height.
While it will cost money to replace the wooden fence with a chain-link fence, it is likely less expensive and more reliable than other kinds of supports that would be needed. No other supports need to be designed to accommodate differences in height to view the game. No other supports need to be created. No other supports need to be requested. No other supports need to be provided. Investing in change will create a less expensive, more inclusive experience for more of our community members. Investing in justice will create a less expensive, more inclusive experience for more of our community members.
SUMMARY
While we are transitioning to a more just society, we will still need to provide equitable supports. In the example of the soccer game, even if a chain-link fence is installed, we may still need to provide support for people with vision and hearing challenges. We are a diverse society that depends on diverse supports to offer reasonable chances of having reasonably similar experiences compared to everyone else's experiences. All we can do is simply do our best to practice compassion, wisdom, and persistence for others and ourselves during each moment given our unique challenges and our limited available resources.
And, remember, you are not alone. As a society, we want to invest in creating more inclusive, more efficient communities for everyone. Here are some community organizations that offer assistance designing, creating, and providing equity and justice for all:
- Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) provides advice to help create a barrier-free Minnesota where every person has full access to all areas of life. They help Minnesotans remove barriers plus ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
- The United States Access Board provides technical assistance for accessible design plus accessibility guidelines and standards. They have accessibility specialists to answer questions on accessibility as it relates to the built environment, recreation and outdoor areas, streets and sidewalks, transportation vehicles and vessels, information and communication technology, and medical diagnostic equipment.
- Accessibility and Universal Design Resources from the World Institute on Disability offers links to helpful resources for inclusive and accessible experiences.
- UniversalDesignResource.com offers a wide variety of information, education, products and services related to universal design. Their goal is to make it quick and easy for you to find what you are looking for.
