Equity and Equality (Essay Sample)

Equity and Equality Name University Course Number and Name Instructor Due Date Equity and Equality Part A Discrimination and bias have always been a core part of society. The prevalence of social prejudices that affect how individuals interact with one another, exist in society, and pursue their goals and dreams has resulted in diverse outcomes. While not all outcomes and circumstances are quintessentially negative, it is vital to assess how these contribute to the aforementioned factors and how, if applicable, some of these prejudices can be alleviated. In essence, equity refers to the just and fair distribution of opportunities and resources, as well as treatment, for individuals as a means of overcoming the systemic and individual biases that have existed (Cepiku & Mastrodascio, 2021). It is focused on ensuring that all individuals achieve a similar outcome in society, and so works backward to ensure that said individuals receive all the help they can get. On the other hand, equality is focused on the idea of providing equal support, opportunities, and resources to all individuals regardless of their requirements or circumstances. It works to ensure that individuals are afforded equal opportunities and, in doing so, guarantees that no discrimination in opportunity occurs (Garrett, 2023). While both concepts are focused on helping individuals in society, they are fundamentally different in approach. Equity is focused on the achievement of similar outcomes, while equality is focused on the provision of similar opportunities (Konow et al., 2020). While both of these features have their respective places in the social setting, it is vital to note that they must be applied preferentially as it suits the circumstances (Guy & McCandless, 2020). In this regard, it is paramount that society enact equity accommodations to cater to equity priority groups while simultaneously working to provide opportunities similar to those of non-marginalized groups. It is a difficult balancing act, but when applied correctly, it significantly benefits society (Minow, 2021). The primary argument in favor of equity is the need to address systemic barriers and disparities that have existed for many years between different social communities and equity groups (Guy & McCandless, 2020). For instance, Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) have endured systemic marginalization and discrimination for many years based entirely on their skin color. This has limited their access to capital, education, and housing, with the eventual outcome being the restriction of upward social mobility (Garrett, 2023). Having in place interventions that are designed to help address this systemic deficit, such as the provision of academic Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) quotas on college admissions, works to provide more individuals in these historically marginalized communities with the opportunity to further their education. To further elaborate on the concept of DEI, having individuals from diverse backgrounds and with differing perspectives and experiences helps improve the quality of the social fabric as well as encourage inclusion and full participation. For instance, people living with disabilities can be easily excluded from many workplaces, social settings, and even the government (Guy & McCandless, 2020). Having equity accommodations such as ensuring workplaces hire such individuals in combination with the observation of non-discriminatory principles of human rights works well to ensure that people living with disabilities can be fully included not only in the corporate and social settings but that they are equally well-represented at all levels of government. This is vital to the realization of an inclusive and diverse society. It is equally important to acknowledge that each individual has a role to play in society insofar as advocacy for equity priority groups is concerned (Konow et al., 2020). This can best be effected by taking accountability for one's prejudices and acknowledging one's privilege as a means to facilitate the realization of an inclusive society. Engaging in advocacy should be encouraged at all levels and by all individuals (Cepiku & Mastrodascio, 2021). This is because, too often, individuals, both within and outside equity priority groups, fail to realize the benefits that they have enjoyed as a result of their color or social status. Consistently taking note of one’s prejudices, biases, and privileges is a great way to help ensure that the collective society can push for more equity and equality as it fits the circumstance. This, coupled with human rights observance, helps to support people in equity groups, which is part of the intended outcome (Minow, 2021). Human rights are a constitutional right and must be protected. On the other hand, it is necessary to acknowledge the differences in outcomes that individuals have experienced as a result of the systemic biases and prejudices they have endured. As such, equity accommodations must be embraced as a key tool for realizing equity. By addressing the specific barriers limiting individuals in equity priority groups, equity can help realize dignity and justice for said individuals (Guy & McCandless, 2020). Similarly, equality is a core part of the process because it serves as the great equalizer. The application of equality will help prevent the well-intended objectives of equity from resulting in an entirely new form of systemic oppression of the previously non-oppressed. It will guarantee long-term change, which works well for equity priority group...