Equality of outcome8/12/2023 ![]() ![]() ![]() There is an inescapable, inevitable and fundamental conflictīetween the ideal of fair shares and freedom. With the freedom of others to pursue their vocations or That equal opportunity is actually inimical to the liberalĬoncept of equality of opportunity because it interferes The compulsory imposition ofĪnti-discrimination programmes upon private firms is anĮxample of equal opportunity in action. Opportunity means an equal chance of participation in anyĪctivity, public or private, where there is any opportunity The liberal concept of equality of opportunity. The orientation upon personal freedoms which is inherent in Has been subverted and transformed into a concept which mayīe termed equal opportunity. In recent times, the liberal idea of equality of opportunity If rewards are based not on achievement and effort but on fairness, what incentive is there to work?.Government attempts to promote equality by positive action and discrimination have many undesirable consequences. On the other hand, government measures to achieve " fair shares for all" reduce equality. Equality of opportunity provides scope for freedom and is, in fact, complementary to freedom. This concept differs radically from the idea of equality of opportunity. Socialists do not really point towards absolute equality but they point to vague ideas of fairness and justness. Everyone must be a winner, everyone must be equal. To slightly change what the Dodo said in Alice in Wonderland, " Everybody must win and all must have prizes". Equality of outcome attempts to ensure that everyone finishes at the same time. Equality of opportunity provides in a sense that all start the race of life at the same time. It does not mean a right to compel someone else to afford you an equal chance of participating in his trade.Įquality of outcome is a radically different concept. In business, equality of opportunity means freedom to engage in a trade. ![]() Equality of opportunity requires that no individual should be arbitrarily prohibited from marriage but it does not demand that the object of his matrimonial hopes should be compelled to afford him an equal chance of taking her hand. ![]() A practical example may be taken from the field of matrimony. It does not include a power to force others to pursue their private interests or vocation in a certain way (eg, affording equality of opportunity of participation in those pursuits to others). Equality of opportunity and freedom are two facets of the same basic concept.Įquality of opportunity means freedom to pursue one's private interest or vocation without arbitrary restrictions based on irrelevant personal characteristics. It is important to note that such equality of opportunity does not present any conflict with freedom. And it has meaning and importance precisely because people are different in their genetic and cultural characteristics, and hence both want to and can pursue different careers. Thus, equality of opportunity simply spells out the concept of equality before the law. Neither birth, nationality, colour, religion, sex nor any other equivalent characteristic should determine the public opportunities that are open to a person - only talent and achievement. No arbitrary obstacles should prevent people from achieving those public positions which their talents fit and which their values lead them to seek. What follows in the next few paragraphs and the distinction drawn between " equality of opportunity" and " equality of outcome" owes much to the analysis of the Friedmans.Įquality of opportunity is best expressed in the phrase - career open to talents. Children at birth clearly do not have identical opportunities in relation to abilities or environment." (Milton and Rose Friedman, Free to Choose, New York (1980) pp 131-2). One child has parents deeply concerned about his welfare who provide a background of culture and understanding, another has dissolute, improvident parents. "One child is born blind, another with sight. Equality Of Opportunity & Equality Of OutcomeĮquality of opportunity in the sense of identical opportunity for all individuals is impossible. Equality Of Opportunity And Equality Of Outcome by LJM Cooray (1996) 20. ![]()
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