Feelings & Togetherness
What does fair mean?
Two different brushes can still be a fair choice.
The short answer
Fairness means considering needs and rights. Equal amounts may be fair; sometimes someone needs different support. Ask not only whether everything is equal, but whether the solution suits the people involved.
An imagined Wusel scene
Puschel and Flauschi investigate
A broad brush and a narrow brush lie on the garden table. Puschel“Is choosing different brushes already unfair?”
Flauschi“I want to paint a large area. You wanted fine lines. Shall we choose brushes for those plans?”
Puschel studies them. Puschel“Then the narrow one helps me more. Identical brushes would not necessarily be better.”
Flauschi“And if we want to swap later, we can ask.” She moves the paper so both can reach comfortably.
Puschel“Fair is more than having the same thing twice.” They begin painting. Their agreement can change if it no longer works.
Try explaining it
This question is about a fictional situation and considerate actions, not about which feelings you should have.
When can different amounts of help be fair?
Choose a), b) or c), then explain your choice.
- a)When people need different support.
- b)When one person gets fewer rights as a result.
- c)When nobody considers needs.
Show the explanation
Correct: a): When people need different support.
Fairness means considering needs and rights. Equal amounts may be fair; sometimes someone needs different support. Ask not only whether everything is equal, but whether the solution suits the people involved.
Questions to think about
When might different materials be fair?
Show conversation idea
When they help different needs, such as a broad brush for areas and a narrow brush for lines. Other examples are possible.
What can they do if their agreement no longer works?
Show conversation idea
Ask, listen and look for another solution together. They may ask for help too.
Explore in more detail
Here you will find longer explanations and further details. You can explore them together.
Understand step by step
What does this mean in everyday life?
Examples are possible situations. You need not feel a particular emotion or share a personal story.
Counting shares is not enough
Two children view one picture; one has limited vision. Equal distance is equal but may not help both.
Ask about needs
A nearer position or larger picture may support participation. Fairness considers needs, not only equal quantities.
Check the agreement
Ask whether it helps and adjust. Fairness involves listening; this example is not a universal rule.
The key points again
Discovery 1
Acting fairly means considering other people’s needs and rights. Needs are things somebody requires.
Discovery 2
Equal amounts can be fair. Sometimes somebody needs different help or materials so that everyone can take part.
Discovery 3
We can ask, listen and change agreements. There is not just one suitable solution for every situation.
Source: [2]