Equality, Reciprocity, and Equity

    The law of equals and reciprocity becomes hazy when contextualized under the greater concept of equity. What exactly is fair? Adichie explores, throughout her advisory discourse, this idea of reciprocity as it relates to being equal and providing equity in a relationship. 

    For context, reciprocity is the exchange of things or emotions for the mutual benefits of all parties involved in the transaction. It is not necessarily equal in face value, but is the same in terms of attributed worth. Equality is the equal distribution of those same things and emotions, but both being of the exact same value. Equity therefore, is the combination of both reciprocity and equality to create an environment of fairness. 


    Carefully, Adichie navigates around social constructs and cultural intricacies to reveal a simple yet elusive truth: that the key to a relationship or, for that matter, the key to being a proper feminist is indeed a balancing act. To be overly giving or accepting in a partnership situation on the behalf of a construct is to relinquish the freedom of choice synonymous with being a self-advocate, and, more to the point, a feminist. Adichie rationalizes this by her commentary on infidelity: “If Chudi sleeps with another woman and you forgive him, would the same be true if you slept with another man?” (Adichie, 6) The feminist choice is perhaps the same as the “fair” choice. Adichie uses equality and reciprocity to find equity in the context of a relationship. However, I believe this suggestion is quite transferable in most of life, lived both as a feminist and an ally. 



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