How to clear up misunderstanding about equity

By Jessica Pierson Russo

Many people support equity in principle, but today's political climate can make it difficult for some to actively engage in and advocate for equity efforts. So what can we do to clear up any misunderstanding and build confidence with our youth and families about equity? 

First, let’s take a look at some common misconceptions about equity:

• Some people confuse equity with equality. Equality refers to treating everyone the same, while equity emphasizes fairness by giving people what they need to succeed, even if it means providing different levels of support to address disparities. Some people may mistakenly believe that equity means everyone should receive the same resources, opportunities, or outcomes, which can lead to resistance if they perceive this as unfair.
• Some see equity as advocating for equal outcomes regardless of an individual’s efforts or abilities. They might think that equity implies guaranteeing the same level of success for everyone, which can be seen as impractical or unjust by those who value individual effort and achievement.
• Some fear reverse discrimination. There's a common misunderstanding that equity involves discriminating against one group to benefit another. This perception can lead to resistance from those who fear they’ll be unfairly disadvantaged because of their demographic characteristics.
• Some may resist equity measures because they see them as simplistic solutions to multifaceted and systemic issues, such as racism, sexism, and economic inequality. These are complex and deeply rooted problems that may not be fully understood by everyone. 
• Some may assume that creating equity means taking resources or opportunities away from one group to give them to another. This zero-sum mindset can lead to resistance because it overlooks the possibility that equity can benefit society as a whole by reducing disparities and fostering inclusivity.
• Political rhetoric or media portrayals may misrepresent equity for political gain. This can lead to widespread misconceptions about equity that sow fear and mistrust.

So, what can we do to combat these misconceptions? 

First, it’s important to be clear on what we mean by equity and why we’re focusing on it. Doing this helps us separate equity from the politics that can sometimes bog down progress. Concepts of equity are continually changing, and so we need to understand which idea we’re working from and what we want to accomplish by it. Clear and open communication about the principles of equity we’re operating under, as well as relatable and accurate definitions of key terms will help illustrate our intent. 

It can be helpful to simplify the message to bring people on board, before delving into the complexities of equity issues. For instance, at its core, the goal of equity is to give each person a fair chance at belonging and dignity. Building a culture around these simpler concepts can help open the door to more nuanced issues such as racism and sexism and institutional inequities.

We also need to articulate how we expect our equity efforts will lead to a more fair and accessible youth program. When we can draw a clear line between our methods, the outcomes we expect, and who we expect to benefit (which is everyone), people are more likely to understand and support these efforts. 

We can better articulate these expectations by actively educating ourselves, our peers, our volunteers, our youth, and our families and other stakeholders about equity issues in ways that invite people to wrestle with complex ideas that may not have immediate solutions. This is probably the most difficult task, because it means admitting that we don’t have all the answers. This type of intellectual humility can result in better leadership, job performance, community, and decision-making. 

What other misconceptions about equity do you find in your youth work? What do you find effective in helping provide more clarity about equity efforts?   

-- Jessica Pierson Russo, Extension educator

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