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Gaps in the Ideal of Equality of Opportunity in Education

Publicated to:Handbook of Equality of Opportunity. 495-509 - 2024-01-01 (), DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-55897-9_26

Authors: Santos Menéndez, Fernando de los

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Abstract

Equality of opportunity is an ambiguous concept. To remove its ambiguity, the chapter identifies three gaps that need filling: equality among whom, opportunities for what, and when in people’s lives. Gap 1 is among whom should opportunities be equal. The main response explored is that opportunities should be equal among the similarly talented, regardless of their socioeconomic background. The chapter examines four reasons in its support. It explains why the so-called formal equality of opportunity, consisting of the principles of nondiscrimination and merit, is important but incomplete. Real or effective equality of opportunity also requires a level playing field. This egalitarian claim finds a limit in the family: the chapter mentions various reasons for respecting certain parental prerogatives over children’s education despite their inegalitarian effects. Gap 2 of the ideal of equality of opportunity is its currency: what are opportunities for? The chapter offers some guidance to respond. It considers a key distinction between positional and nonpositional goods of education. Gap 3 is when in life opportunities should be equal. One response is that people should enjoy equal opportunities at the point in life from which they are held responsible for their choices. Nonetheless, the chapter offers some reasons to mitigate the cumulative effects of past choices and to secure adequate opportunities throughout people’s lives. Finally, the chapter warns of the risk of hiding behind equality of opportunity to whitewash or legitimize an unduly competitive society. Reasons against such competitiveness are explained, and ways to reduce it are suggested.

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