3.4.1—Equality and equity

Equality means the same outcome or resources; equity considers whether distribution is fair given needs, barriers and context.

A policy can be equal but inequitable, or equitable without identical outcomes.

State whether the claim concerns sameness or fairness and whose perspective matters.

A universal payment is equal; extra support for a barriered group may be more equitable.

Equity is a normative judgement, not a purely statistical fact.