The Golden Rule is considered to be equality, not equity.
Understanding Equality vs. Equity
To better grasp this concept, let's differentiate between equality and equity:
| Concept | Definition | Metaphor |
|---|---|---|
| Equality | Treating everyone the same, giving everyone the same resources or opportunities, regardless of their individual needs. | The Golden Rule: Treat others as you want to be treated. |
| Equity | Acknowledges that people start from different places and that they need different kinds of support and resources to have equal opportunity and access. | The Platinum Rule: Treat others how they would like to be treated. |
How the Golden Rule Relates to Equality
The provided reference states, "to think about it abstractly, equality is like the golden rule." This highlights that the Golden Rule's core principle of treating others as you wish to be treated assumes a baseline of sameness or equal need and desire across individuals. It applies a uniform standard irrespective of circumstance.
Why Equity is Different
Equity, on the other hand, acknowledges that individuals and groups have different needs and circumstances. It seeks to level the playing field by providing varying levels of support so that everyone has a fair chance of success. The reference implies that if such a thing existed, the 'platinum rule' would be more like equity. It understands that some people have differing needs and should be treated how they would like to be treated.
Practical Examples
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Equality: Imagine distributing identical bicycles to everyone in a community. This is equal but not equitable, as some people might not be able to use the bicycle due to physical limitations or other reasons.
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Equity: On the other hand, equity might mean providing different forms of transportation to the same people, taking into account what they can physically use or have access to. This can be a scooter for the disabled, for example.
Conclusion
In summary, the Golden Rule aligns with the concept of equality, as it promotes treating everyone the same. Equity considers individual needs and adjusts to ensure fairness of opportunity.
