Fairness facts for kids

Fairness means treating people in a way that is right and equal. It's about following rules that everyone agrees on. It's closely linked to justice, which means things are fair and right, both in laws and how people act together. Being fair means treating everyone the same, or in a way that makes sense and feels right.

What is Fairness?

Fairness is a big idea in how people live together and how laws work. It means making sure things are balanced and don't go against what most people think is right.

Different Ways to Think About Fairness

There are a few ways people understand fairness:

• Sameness: Sometimes, fairness means everyone gets the exact same thing. For example, if two friends share a pizza, they might each get half.
• Deservedness: Other times, fairness means people get what they earn. If you work hard in school, you might get good grades. If you don't work hard, you might get lower grades. This means you get what you deserve based on your effort.
• Need: Fairness can also be about helping those who need it most. People who have more might help those who have less. This idea is about people having duties to help each other.

Who Needs to Be Fair?

Many people in important roles are expected to be fair. This includes Judges, who make decisions in court, and lawmakers, who create laws. Referees in sports and teachers in schools also need to be fair in their choices. Being fair means making decisions without showing favoritism or discrimination.

Fairness in the United States

In the United States, fairness has often been a discussion between two ideas: equality and equity.

Equality: Equal Chances for Everyone

Equality means everyone should have the same chance to succeed. Imagine a horse race where all the horses start from the exact same line. The horse that wins is simply the fastest. This is about giving everyone the same starting point.

Equity: Making Adjustments for Fairness

Equity is about making changes so that things are fair for everyone. Sometimes, giving everyone the same thing isn't truly fair. For example, in a game of golf, a less skilled player might get a "handicap." This means they get extra points at the start. This helps make the final score feel more fair for both players, even if one is much better. It's about adjusting to make sure the outcome is fair.