deceptive equality
[dɪˈsɛptɪv iˈkwɑːləti]
noun phrasepl: deceptive equalities
igualdade enganosa
1. A false or misleading appearance of equality that masks underlying disparities, discrimination, or unfair treatment
The company promoted deceptive equality by hiring women for visible positions while maintaining wage gaps behind the scenes.
A empresa promoveu igualdade enganosa ao contratar mulheres para posições visíveis enquanto mantinha disparidades salariais nos bastidores.
2. A situation where equal treatment on the surface conceals systemic or structural inequality
Identical school funding formulas can create deceptive equality when they don't account for different community needs.
Fórmulas idênticas de financiamento escolar podem criar igualdade enganosa quando não consideram as necessidades diferentes da comunidade.
3. Superficial or formal equality that fails to address substantive differences in opportunity, resources, or outcomes
The policy represented deceptive equality—everyone had the same rules, but not everyone had the same starting point.
A política representava igualdade enganosa—todos tinham as mesmas regras, mas nem todos tinham o mesmo ponto de partida.
This term is frequently used in Brazilian and American discussions of social justice, affirmative action debates, and organizational diversity initiatives. In Brazilian contexts, it often appears in critiques of corporate diversity programs and educational policies. In the USA, it's commonly invoked in discussions of systemic racism, gender equity, and structural inequality. The concept gained prominence in critical theory and is now widely used in public discourse about equity versus equality.
NYC Slang
fake equal, surface-level equal, or equality theater
Related Idioms & Phrases
equal on paper but not in practice
equality that doesn't add up
same rules, different playing field
parecer igual mas não ser
igualdade de fachada
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