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Social equity

Social equity is concerned with justice and fairness of social policy. Since the 1960s, the concept of social equity has been used in a variety of institutional contexts, including education and public administration.

Equity within a society is different from social equality because it takes into account the individual differences that people may have when seeking an equal outcome. Equity describes equal outcomes for groups, also called substantive equality.[1] For example, person A may have no difficulty walking, person B may be able to walk but with some difficulty, whilst person C may be unable to walk at all. Equality would be providing each of those three people with the same opportunities or aids. Per our example, if persons A, B, and C receive a wheelchair, this is a form of equality. Equity, on the other hand, would look different from equality because it would instead cater to each individual's differing needs. For the same example, person A may not receive any aids, person B may receive a walking stick, whilst person C may receive an electric wheelchair.

Overview[edit]

Definitions of social equity can vary but all focus on the ideals of justice and fairness. Equity should involve the role of public administrators, who are responsible for ensuring that social services are delivered equitably. This implies taking into account historical and current inequalities among groups. Fairness is dependent on this social and historical context.[2]

Affirmative action

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Educational equity

Identity politics

Intersectionality

Reverse discrimination

Social equality

Social justice

Social privilege

Mann, Blair (12 March 2014). . edtrust.org. Washington, D.C.: The Education Trust.

"Equity and Equality Are Not Equal"

. sgba-resource.ca. Atlantic Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, Prairie Women’s Health Centre of Excellence.

"Distinguish between Equity and Equality"

Frederickson, H. George (2015). . Routledge. ISBN 978-1-31-745977-4.

Social Equity and Public Administration: Origins, Developments, and Applications