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Building Quote by Ha-Joon Chang

“Equality of opportunity is not enough. Unless we create an environment where everyone is guaranteed some minimum capabilities through some guarantee of minimum income, education, and healthcare, we cannot say that we have fair competition. When some people have to run a 100 metre race with…” quote by Ha-Joon Chang
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“Equality of opportunity is not enough. Unless we create an environment where everyone is guaranteed some minimum capabilities through some guarantee of minimum income, education, and healthcare, we cannot say that we have fair competition. When some people have to run a 100 metre race with sandbags on their legs, the fact that no one is allowed to have a head start does not make the race fair. Equality of opportunity is absolutely necessary but not sufficient in building a genuinely fair and efficient society.”

Ha-Joon Chang

About This Quote

Equality of opportunity alone is insufficient; fair competition requires equal capabilities through social guarantees.

In simple terms: Equal chance isn’t enough without equal support.

Key Takeaway

Ensure basic support for true fairness.

Themes

equality fairness social policy

Mood

analytical critical

Type

policy economic

When to use this quote

  • education reform
  • universal basic income
  • healthcare access

Key Concepts

capabilities approach economic justice

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the trade‑offs of extensive welfare?
A Different Perspective

How to balance incentives with guarantees?

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