Resuscitating Equality

Abstract

Within the evolving healthcare sector, the focus on health equity has led to interventions that, despite good intentions, often fall short. Recognized by a broad spectrum of healthcare professionals, including numerous social workers, as marginally better than inaction—colloquially referred to as “better than nothing,” these efforts risk overshadowing deeper structural and systemic issues. Consequently, they divert attention from the need for comprehensive solutions that genuinely address the roots of healthcare inequities. This manuscript delves into the nuanced interplay between health equity and equality through the methodology of critical analysis, drawing on the insights of critical social work and relevant theories of justice and power. While contemporary discussions increasingly restrict equality to uniform resource distribution, the core of social justice emphasizes equality’s deeper significance: recognizing the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their background. The primary objective of this article is to advocate for the “resuscitation” of equality in healthcare, aligning it alongside health equity to ensure a comprehensive approach for individuals and families. A reductionist view of equality may cloud essential structural health determinants and compromise truly equitable care. The ramifications for social work are clear: a fervent advocacy for both equality and equity is indispensable. By embracing equity and equality in their most nuanced dimensions, we ensure that individuals, irrespective of their unique circumstances, receive care that is both just and tailored, elevating the benchmark in healthcare delivery.