Equality vs. equity in Higher Education
| 6 Min Read
Understanding the difference and learning what justice looks like
In recent years, the terms ‘equality’ and ‘equity’ have gained significant attention, particularly in the context of education. While they might seem similar at first glance, they represent distinct approaches to addressing the needs of individuals and communities. Understanding the difference between these two concepts is beneficial when discussing how to create more inclusive and fair higher education systems. This article explores the reality of equality and equity in higher education and what justice would look like.
What is Equality in Higher Education?
At its core, ‘equality’ is about providing the same resources, opportunities, and treatment to all individuals, regardless of their starting point. In the context of higher education, equality typically looks like offering all students the same access to academic programmes, scholarships, and facilities. This approach assumes that all students are operating from the same place and have the same resources at their disposal.
In practice, however, equality doesn’t always lead to equal outcomes.
For instance, consider a university offering the same set of scholarships to all applicants based on merit. While it may seem fair on the surface, students from low-income families or underserved backgrounds often struggle to compete on the same level as their peers who have had more access to resources, advanced preparatory courses, and a stable home environment.
In this system, everyone gets the same starting point, but not everyone has the same tools to succeed.
The Reality of Equity in Higher Education
‘Equity’, on the other hand, is about providing tailored resources and opportunities that consider students’ diverse backgrounds and individual needs. It acknowledges that not all students begin from the same position and that equal treatment may not always result in fair outcomes. Equity strives to level the playing field by offering support where it’s most needed.
In higher education, equity looks like:
- Targeted financial assistance for students from low-income families to help cover tuition fees, books, and other essential costs.
- Support programmes for first-generation university students, helping them navigate academic challenges and adjust to campus life.
- Access to assistive technologies and resources for students with disabilities.
- Mentorship and guidance programmes for underrepresented groups, particularly those who might not have a clear pathway into higher education.
While equality provides every student with the same resources, equity ensures that resources are distributed in ways that meet each student’s unique needs. This means that students who face more significant challenges might receive additional support to help them succeed academically.
Current Challenges: The Gaps in Access and Opportunity
Despite significant progress, the reality of higher education still falls short in many areas when it comes to equity. Some of the most glaring issues include:
- The Opportunity Gap: Students from historically underrepresented groups, such as low-income students, students of colour, and first-generation university students, often face significant barriers to accessing higher education. Whether it’s due to financial constraints, lack of university preparatory programmes, or other social and cultural factors, the path to higher education isn’t equal for all.
- Achievement Gaps: Even when these students are admitted to universities, the achievement gap persists. Research has shown that students from marginalised backgrounds tend to have lower graduation rates than their more privileged peers. This disparity is often linked to a lack of institutional support, mentorship, and the resources necessary for success.
- Inaccessible Education: For students with disabilities or other specific needs, many institutions still fall short in creating fully accessible learning environments. This can include inadequate assistive technologies, inaccessible course materials, or physical spaces that don’t meet the needs of all students.
- Racial and Gender Disparities: Racial and gender disparities in both faculty representation and student experiences continue to exist. These disparities can influence the way students feel included, represented, and supported within academic settings.
What Justice in Higher Education Looks Like
Justice in higher education goes beyond equity—it aims to fundamentally shift the system to ensure that every student has not only the opportunity to succeed but also the resources, support, and environment necessary for true academic success.
A just system of higher education would involve:
- Proactively addressing systemic barriers that have historically excluded or disadvantaged certain groups. This could mean revising admissions processes, expanding outreach programmes, and creating scholarships targeted at marginalised students.
- Creating inclusive and supportive environments that empower all students, regardless of their background, to thrive. This includes not just the physical and academic resources, but also fostering a culture of inclusivity, understanding, and respect.
- Offering tailored academic and social support that empowers students to overcome challenges and meet their full potential. This could involve not just financial assistance, but also mentorship programmes, support services, and peer networks that specifically address the needs of different student groups.
- Ensuring representation at all levels—from students to faculty and administration. A more diverse leadership ensures that policies and decisions are informed by the perspectives of those who are often marginalised.
- Investing in long-term systemic change—justice requires more than just quick fixes. It involves making long-term investments in education systems to ensure that they’re adaptable, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all students.
How We Move Forward: Building a More Just Higher Education System
Moving from equality and equity to justice requires a multi-pronged approach. Universities and colleges need to take concrete steps to not only provide equitable opportunities but also ensure that the structures, policies, and cultures are designed to support every student’s success.
Key actions to take include:
- Reforming admissions processes to consider factors beyond just standardised test scores, like overcoming adversity or unique life circumstances.
- Expanding financial assistance options to ensure that no student is priced out of an education because of their background.
- Investing in inclusive teaching practices and faculty development to ensure all students feel heard, valued, and supported in the classroom.
- Implementing systemic changes to reduce institutionalised biases and create a culture of inclusion, both in student bodies and faculty representation.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Equality and equity in higher education are important, but they are stepping stones toward something more transformative: justice. By understanding the differences between equality and equity, we can begin to challenge the structures that perpetuate inequality and work toward an education system that truly serves all students, no matter their background.
A just higher education system isn’t just about offering opportunities—it’s about dismantling barriers and creating a truly inclusive space where everyone, regardless of their starting point, can thrive.
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