Equality is when a person or group is provided with the same level of resources and opportunities. Equity is recognizing that a person or group may need different resources and opportunities to reach the same goal.
For example, equality would be giving everyone the same type of crate to pick apples from a tree. Equity would be realizing that not everyone can use the same size crate and providing another way for them to reach the apples.
Consequently, access to or distribution of resources is based on need. All three individuals can reach the fruit at the same level by providing equality, regardless of their height. While both concepts pertain to fairness, how society achieves them and what they ultimately look like are different.
