Lecture 2: Health Equality & Equity

Question 1

What is the definition of equality? & what is an example of such?

Answer 1

When each individual or group is given the same opportunity or resource.
e.g: when every Canadian citizen can vote in an election.

Question 2

What is the definition of equity? & what is an example of such?

Answer 2

Equity is the absence of unfair, avoidable, or remedial differences among groups of people. It is about treating people fairly, based on their needs.
The idea of levelling the playing field so that fairness happens along the path to success. When people receive what they need for the same result.

e.g: schools: Ta’s providing resources who need extra support or provide students with learning accommodations
wheelchair accessible doors/restrooms

Question 3

What is the definition of health inequity?

Answer 3

They are the differences in health which are UNNECESSARY & AVOIDABLE but in addition, are also considered UNFAIR & UNJUST

Question 4

What are the different types of health inequities that exist?

Answer 4

Systematic: inequities + their consequences are not “random” but follow a “pattern”
Socially produced: produced by inequities that can be traced back to the SDOH
Unfair: inequity that has an ethical & moral connotation, which is embodied in a sense of “injustice”

Question 5

What is the meaning of equity in health?

Answer 5

When people’s needs guide the distribution of opportunities for well-being. Again the goal is to reach a point where everyone has an opportunity to achieve optimal health - this is when we can consider equality.

Question 6

What are the 4 main SDOH affecting health?

Answer 6

1.) Income
2.) Housing
3.) Nutrition & Food supply
4.) Early childhood development.