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Is equity compatible with entitlement? Balancing inclusive values and deserving needs
Author(s) -
Corbett Jenny
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
support for learning
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.25
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 1467-9604
pISSN - 0268-2141
DOI - 10.1111/1467-9604.00202
Subject(s) - entitlement (fair division) , confusion , equity (law) , economics , law and economics , actuarial science , social psychology , positive economics , public economics , sociology , psychology , microeconomics , political science , law , psychoanalysis
In this article, Jenny Corbett suggests that there is a subtle distinction between equity and entitlement as related concepts. Entitlement is about the allocation of resources, placement and individual rights. It can be seen as positive or negative, depending on how the ‘special need’ label is regarded. Equity is about equitable value systems, the fair sharing of finite resources and a demonstrable respect for differences. It is a philosophical concept, whereas entitlement is about the specifics of material benefits or options. By using diverse examples, from primary to further and higher education, the distinction between equity and entitlement is explored. Whilst a mixture of the two is part of daily reality it is useful to understand the differences, as confusion often results in uneasy tensions in which the underlying causes are misunderstood.