Intra-generational equity is concerned with equity between people of the same generation. This is separate from inter-generational equity, which is about equity between present and future generations. Intra-generational equity includes considerations of distribution of resources and justice between nations. It also includes considerations of what is fair for people within any one nation. Inter-generational equity in economic, psychological, and sociological contexts, is the concept or idea of fairness or justice in relationships between children, youth, adults and seniors, particularly in terms of treatment and interactions. It has been studied in environmental and sociological settings.

Besides, Inter-generational equity has to do with fairness between current and future members of a community. It doesn't mean that we neglect our current needs, but that we try to achieve a reasonable balance between satisfying our needs now and setting aside enough to provide for needs of the future. We are currently living unsustainable lives. If we are not careful how we use and dispose of resources, our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will have a poorer, more polluted world to live in. Aiming for inter-generational equity means we want to give equal consideration to our own immediate needs, our own future needs, and our children's and grandchildren's future needs.

Whereas, intra-generational equity is also used in connection with the idea that all people throughout the community, be it a town or the entire world, have the same basic needs that must be taken into consideration.
It’s meaning justice among the present population. The preservation of basic human rights and the fulfillment of basic human needs are the fundamental driving forces behind economic transactions, social interactions, and resource consumption. When people are operating under duress in any of these areas, concern for immediate needs overwhelms any consideration for long-term needs, thereby undermining the whole principle of planning for the future. So, current or intra-generational inequity can lead to future or inter-generational inequity.