Why we need to step into #the4thbox
You’ve probably seen this two-panel cartoon before, or a version of it. It may have even appeared in a training or presentation you’ve attended recently. The team at Center for Story-based Strategy, including the illustrator of this version, want you to know that while distinguishing the concepts of equality and equity is useful, it takes a lot more to start a fruitful conversation. In fact, when we stay in these two boxes only, we often invite dangerous and counterproductive conversations.
Free tools to expand the conversation
We offer #the4thBox and its two facilitated learning options to assist in expanding how we explore and address issues of equity.
Dangers of Two Boxes
While Equality vs. Equity can feel like a powerful “aha” moment for many, our experience with learners encountering this image is that it contains rather than unleashes important conversations. When presented with just these two boxes conversations repeatedly focus on familiar themes:
Participants with privilege or resources raise concerns about “their boxes” being taken away.
Given a small contained world, arguments over identity and representation in the figures move to the foreground (Why aren’t there any girls in the story and what proof do we have that they aren’t there?)
The either/or logic of 2 boxes erases the idea that we each might experience different boxes at different times/places in our lives.
A focus on debating equality vs. equity avoids deeper conversations about how did we get here and what else is possible?
Three boxes are closer, and yet ...
Versions of the image with a third box, for Liberation, get us a bit further — introducing the idea that narrative assumptions often hide in plain sight. “The conflict in the story isn’t the same if the obstacle is removed!” And still, this view is too simple and linear. Does the third box really come after the second? Wasn’t the third box really first, before the fence was built?
If we want outcomes of equality, equity and liberation in our lives and work, then we need to empower learners to explore, vision and pursue these goals themselves, and THAT’s where #the4thbox comes in. Use the links below to dive into #the4thBox today!
Looking to reproduce #the4thBox, or one of the variations of Equality vs. Equity in your book, presentation or other material. Head over to our Permission to Reproduce page to find out how.
Dive into #the4thbox online!
The 4th Box: DEI + Story-based Strategy!
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion work in action using Story-based Strategy
This 90-minute self paced workshop will introduce you to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in theory and use using Story-based Strategy. Participants will be provided with a practical framework for understanding issues of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in their work and how using a Story-based Strategy can assist in both assessment and planning.
We will explore what it means to apply a “Narrative Analysis of Power” to DEI work and share the Story-based Strategy approach for assessing and developing work to address organizational and interpersonal work. Throughout the workshop we review critical concepts related to equality, equity and liberation to create memorable demonstrations of how Story-based Strategy & DEI work together. Participants begin practicing right away, learning how the concepts are alive in their life.
Play the 4th Box Game!
Explore what’s beyond Equality and Equity. Play The 4th Box Simulation Game and begin your journey in discovering possible answers to, "How did we get here?" and "How can we move beyond this?
Play in Spanish or English
FREE to download & play
Free downloads
to step into #the4thBox
Available in English & Spanish!
We can't wait to see & hear what you imagine!
Send us an email at the4thbox@storybasedstrategy.org and tell us how you integrated #the4thBox in your work!
IMAGINE. TAKE ACTION. REPEAT.