Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK 2027) is a governorship aspirant in Oyo state in 2027, in this piece he explains the Conundrum of Equality and Equity.
It’s quite disturbing that we seem to have mastered the art of misplaced priorities in our general dealings. We’ve elevated the mundane to monumental status, while essential concerns fade into the background. Our collective attention span is hijacked by the inconsequential, masquerading as substance. This distorted lens obscures our judgment, and renders us incapable of distinguishing the vital from the trivial. The dissonance of social media, the 24-hour news cycle, and the relentless pursuit of clicks and likes seems to have successfully created a culture of distraction.
The information age exacerbates this anomaly. With knowledge at our fingertips, we selectively curate reality, and prioritises agendas over accuracy. Critical thinking and discernment are essential in this echo chamber, where choices and convictions are shaped by convenience rather than consequence. We must scrutinise the narratives we embrace and the values we uphold, lest we become unwitting accomplices to the trivialization of truth.
Equality is a noble concept that promises uniformity and sameness. No doubt. It advocates for identical treatment, regardless of circumstance. On the surface, equality seems just, but has scratch beneath, and complexities emerge. Equality assumes a level playing field, ignores systemic disparities and individual differences. It overlooks historical context, cultural differences, and socio-economic variables. Equality’s one-size-fits-all approach risks becoming a blunt instrument that neglects the diversity it seeks to protect in the first instance.
On the other hand, equity acknowledges and addresses these disparities. It seeks fairness, not sameness. Equity recognises that equal treatment can perpetuate inequality if individual needs are disregarded. It’s about tailored solutions, not blanket policies. Equity is context-sensitive, adaptable, and just. Let’s imagine educators recognising student’s unique learning style and adapting their teaching methods accordingly. That’s equity in action.
Moreover, equity acknowledges the historical and systemic inequalities that have stacked the deck against marginalised voices and neighbourhoods. It seeks to redress these injustices through targeted interventions and affirmative actions. Equity understands that equality can be a fiction if not grounded in the realities of power and privilege. For instance, equal funding for schools in affluent and impoverished areas ignores systemic inequalities. Equity demands more resources for underfunded schools.
I view the persistent argument for equality as flawed because it overlooks context. Equal pay for all, regardless of industry or expertise, disregards market dynamics. Equal rights without addressing historical injustices perpetuate systemic inequalities. Equity, however, considers these factors, it strives for fairness over uniformity. Consider the gender pay gap; equity demands addressing systemic biases and unequal opportunities.
Equity is where justice and fairness reside. Only. It’s frankly what makes our societies thrive. When we recognise and address disparities, equity encourages inclusive growth, – it ensures resources reach those who need them most, rather than perpetuating equal-but-ineffective distribution. It’s about creating a society where everyone has a fair shot, not just an equal one.
The absence of equity in our societal rulings, politics, and governance underlies many complaints that fills our mouth. Had decisions, actions, and policies been guided by equity, problems would dissipate. Equity prioritises context over dogma, and justice over ideology. Imagine a healthcare system that prioritises equity; it allows resources to flow to underserved communities.
Really, some advocate for equal resource distribution or rights, but I believe we should prioritise justice and fairness above “equality.” True equality can only be achieved through equity’s lens. It becomes imperative to recognise individual and systemic differences to allow us create a fairer world for all interests feeling unequal. The pursuit of equality without equity is akin to treating symptoms rather than curing the disease, and we cannot allow to keep on that route.
The choice between equality and equity isn’t binary; it’s contextual. Equity’s multiple layers approach acknowledges complexity, and seeks fairness over sameness. Let’s rethink our styles and priorities, and embrace equity as the cornerstone of justice and fairness, – and to guide us to make decisions on health, justice, infrastructure, security, and every affairs that matters and count to the growth and development of our society. In our striving and aspiration for a more just society, let us not be seduced by the siren song of equality alone, – it’ll be very risky.
Oyo 2027
AKK 2027
Governor 2027
Aseyori rere ni tiwa 2027
[Saturday October 12, 2024]
