Equality and Equity

Abstract

The terms equality and equity are widely confused. Despite their phonetic similarity and philological connections, they are quite distinct. The equality of a distribution of income or wealth is basically a matter of fact and is, therefore, basically objective. The equity of the same distribution is basically a matter of ethical judgment and is, therefore, basically subjective. The discussion attempts to avoid extraneous issues, such as whether the particular poor— at any time or place—are apt to be morally superior, or inferior, to the particular rich; and whether economic, as distinguished from ethical, maldistribution can cause, or has caused, economic depression. The paper begins with the valiant attempts by the marginal-utility economists of the turn of the century to frame an objective case for income equalization and with A. P. Lerner's later extension of this case.It then moves on to the rebuttals of conservative opponents. Three more recent attempts—under the headings of ( 1 ) interdependent utility functions, (2) limiting the domain of inequality and (3) John Rawls' recent theory of justice in generalized ethics—are then summarized. The discussion ends, however, on a skeptical note.

The Trade-Off between Aggregate National Efficiency and Interregional Equity: Some Recent Empirical Evidence

“…The basic premise of this paper is derived from the assumption that regional and national development are inextricably linked, and the observation that acknowledgment of this linkage has not yet permeated received theory and policy-making agendas of most countries. While Bonfenbrenner [3] correctly notes that the term equity is a subjective one, Reiner's interpretations of inequity accord with the sense that it is used in this paper. Inequity is a state "describing an undesired condition characteristic of a set of components which ought to be resolved" [20, p. 68].…”

Principles and practice for the equitable governance of transboundary natural resources: cross-cutting lessons for marine fisheries management

“…It is not uncommon for equity and equality to be thought of as one and the same (Bronfenbrenner 1973;Parson and Zeckhauser 1993;Shue 1999;Ringius et al 2002). While related, these concepts have some critical distinctions.…”

“…Imposing equal units of responsibility onto equal subjects of law may be judged as just in some contexts, but it may not be socially just if the differences between these subjects are such that disparities in individual (dis) advantage are exacerbated. An equitable approach in such circumstances might entail "the appropriate treatment of unequals in view of the differences between them" (Bronfenbrenner 1973), and seek substantive equality between stakeholders through a range of mutually acceptable differentiating criteria.…”

“…Common terminologies associated with 'lay' definitions of equity include 'non-discrimination', 'fairness', 'impartiality', and 'playing by the rules'. Bronfenbrenner (1973) broadly defined equity as an ethical judgement consistent with socially-established principles of justice.…”

The Role of Social and Intergenerational Equity in Making Changes in Human Well-Being Sustainable

“…When we say equity, we refer to the qualities of justness, fairness, impartiality, and evenhandedness. When we talk about equality, we are talking about equal sharing and exact division (Bronfenbrenner 1973). Our discussions in this manuscript relate to equity, not equality.…”