inequality of opportunity

USAGE SUMMARY

"inequality of opportunity" is a valid phrase and can be used in written English.
Example: The company's hiring practices were criticized for perpetuating inequality of opportunity, as they heavily favored candidates from prestigious universities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How can we reduce inequality of opportunity?

The New York Times

Atkinson thinks that the division between inequality of outcome and inequality of opportunity is largely false.

The New Yorker

We have also found that the inequality of opportunity between black and immigrant Americans is marked.

The New York Times

It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity.

The Guardian

He believes that tackling inequality of outcome is a very good way to tackle inequality of opportunity.

The New Yorker

These trends spell even greater income inequality and even greater inequality of opportunity for children in the future.

The New York Times

What worries the authors is not so much these particular outcomes as the growing inequality of opportunity that underlies it.

The Economist

They found that states' GDP growth was inversely correlated with their inequality of opportunity, but not with overall inequality.

The Economist

This is especially the case for the "inequality of opportunity" that Mr. Obama says "undermines the very essence of America".

The New York Times

In 2001, the Eclipse report concluded that there is significant inequality of opportunity in the theatre industry.

The Guardian

"Private schooling turns inequality of outcome into inequality of opportunity – as the wealthy buy better outcomes for their children.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "inequality of opportunity", be specific about the areas affected, such as education, employment, or healthcare, to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "inequality of opportunity" interchangeably with inequality of outcome. Opportunity refers to unequal starting points, while outcome refers to unequal results regardless of starting point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inequality of opportunity" functions primarily as a noun phrase often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it's frequently used to describe societal problems and areas needing improvement. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inequality of opportunity" is a prevalent and grammatically sound term used to describe the disparity in access to resources and chances in society. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and frequently encountered in varied sources. Predominantly featured in news, media, and scientific contexts, its purpose spans identifying societal disparities, framing discussions on social justice, and catalyzing policy interventions. While inherently neutral, its formality adjusts based on the source. To ensure precision, distinguish it from inequality of outcome and clarify the areas affected when employing it in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unequal access to opportunities

Focuses on the disparity in access rather than the inequality itself.

lack of equal opportunity

Highlights the absence of parity in chances available.

disparity in life chances

Emphasizes the impact on individuals' overall prospects and outcomes.

uneven playing field

An idiomatic expression denoting unfair advantages for some.

unfair starting points

Stresses the disadvantages some face from the outset.

unequal prospects

Highlights the diverging potential outcomes due to initial inequalities.

imbalanced opportunities

Indicates an asymmetry in the distribution of chances.

differential opportunity structures

A more sociological term referring to systemic variations in available opportunities.

structural disadvantage

Focuses on the systemic barriers that impede certain groups.

unfair societal mobility

Emphasis on the limitations to moving up in society that some individuals experience.

FAQs

How is "inequality of opportunity" different from inequality of outcome?

"Inequality of opportunity" refers to unequal access to resources and chances at the start, while inequality of outcome describes the resulting differences in income, wealth, or achievement. Addressing one doesn't automatically resolve the other, though they are related.

What are some factors that contribute to "inequality of opportunity"?

Factors include socioeconomic status, access to quality education, healthcare disparities, discrimination based on race or gender, and geographical location. These create unequal starting points for individuals.

What can I say instead of "inequality of opportunity"?

You can use alternatives like "unequal access to opportunities", "lack of equal opportunity", or "disparity in life chances" depending on the specific context.

How does "inequality of opportunity" affect society?

"Inequality of opportunity" can lead to decreased social mobility, reduced economic growth, and increased social unrest. It undermines the idea of a meritocracy, where success is based on talent and effort.