Written by Student Associate Hailey Willerth

The Difference Between Equity and Equality in Deliberation

The authors state that inclusion is a foundation of deliberative democracy. But should programs focus on equity or equality in their process of dialogue and deliberation?

Here's the difference between equity and equality:

Equity

Acknowledging the advantages and disadvantages that have shaped participants’ experiences, which may require treating participants differently to create conditions that achieve fair deliberation and decisions.

Equality

Treating all deliberators the same regardless of the advantages and disadvantages that have shaped their experiences. 

Specifically, the authors suggest that the use of these inclusive practices depends on the goals of the program and what they hope to achieve. Programs may even benefit by including both equity and equality. 

The benefit of including equity, equality, or both?

1. Creating an environment for all voices to be heard
2. Creating an environment that can produce inclusive outcomes (such as inclusive policies)

In 2016, Carolyne Abdullah, Christopher F. Karpowitz, and Chad Raphael published “Equality and Equity in Deliberation: Introduction to the Special Issue” in the Journal of Public Deliberation. The Journal of Public Deliberation focuses on scholarship about deliberative democracy. Click here for the full article.