equidad
nounCEFR B2
What does “equidad” mean in English?
equity — proportional fairness that accounts for individual need, contrasted with strict equality
equity — proportional fairness that accounts for individual need, contrasted with strict equality (equidad vs igualdad)
Example sentences
La diferencia entre igualdad y equidad es fundamental: la igualdad da a todos lo mismo; la equidad da a cada uno lo que necesita.
The difference between equality and equity is fundamental: equality gives everyone the same; equity gives each person what they need.
Las políticas públicas que no incorporan criterios de equidad tienden a perpetuar las desigualdades existentes.
Public policies that do not incorporate equity criteria tend to perpetuate existing inequalities.
How to use it
La equidad means 'equity' — the principle of giving each person what they need, rather than giving everyone the same thing. This distinguishes it sharply from igualdad (equality — giving everyone the same). In social policy and philosophy, equidad stresses proportionality and fairness calibrated to need; igualdad stresses uniform treatment. This igualdad/equidad distinction is a centrepiece of B2 social science discourse in Spanish and a classic calque trap for English speakers who reach for 'equality' for both. Key collocations: la equidad de género, la equidad social, criterios de equidad, promover la equidad.
Common mistake
Equidad (equity — proportional fairness according to need) vs igualdad (equality — uniform treatment). A classic B2 error: using igualdad when the text requires equidad (or vice versa). 'Pay equity' in the sense of adjusted-for-need = 'equidad salarial'; 'pay equality' in the sense of identical treatment = 'igualdad salarial'.