Differentiate Between Gender Equity and Gender Equality in Education

Back to: Contemporary India and Education – Unit 5

The words equity and equality are often confused with one another and used interchangeably, but it is essential to take note that they are two different terms having different meanings. In educational terms, equity refers to the situation where every student is facilitated with the necessary resources for the acquisition of the basic skills of reading, writing, and simple arithmetic. The educational success of the students is measured in society by its outcome, not the resources that have been invested in them.

Difference Between Gender Equity and Equality in Education

Equity

Educational equity refers to the educational system given to each student according to what he or she needs to perform at the desired level.

Equality

According to Gunn (2018),

“Equality is the provision of equal treatment, access, and opportunity to resources and opportunities. Essentially, everyone gets the same thing, regardless of where they come from or what needs they might have.”

Gender equity refers to the fairness of treatment of all genders based on their respective needs. It aims to bring a practice of equal treatment of all genders eliminating discrimination. Gender equity does not strive to equate one gender with another. Rather, it strives to provide equal opportunities to people of all genders so that they feel motivated to overcome their historical and social disadvantages. It ensures the prevalence of justice, fairness, and equality in the distribution of resources to all genders.

Gender equality refers to the concept that an individual’s rights, responsibilities, and opportunities are not based on the sex they are assigned at birth. Gender equity, on the other hand, refers to the equal treatment of all genders and they are considered equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations, and opportunities.

In educational institutions, equality is often related to access and outcomes. Equality ensures that every student has equal access to a high-quality education regardless of their social background. It also ensures that all students are accountable to the same standards and objectives without taking into account their circumstances, abilities, or experiences.