Abstract
This symposium issue of Administrative Theory & Praxis considers the role of social equity in public administration and policy. Our paper's contribution to this volume is to discuss the evolution, essence, and emergence of social equity within our field. Our analysis of evolution calls attention to foundational contributions that stem from Rawls, Minnowbrook I, and the New Public Administration. Next, we examine both the empirical and normative dimensions of the essence of social equity, which has been influenced largely by the Standing Panel on Social Equity within the National Academy of Public Administration. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the future emergence of social equity, which we argue should focus on expanded, global examples, measurement, and integration into our public administration curriculum.