To interpret real-life variation of policy outcomes, however, it is important to recognize that observed production and inequality outcomes need not be those that maximize the total welfare of the economy.
We included experimental or observational studies that assessed the effects of interventions on maternal and child health, but only studies that report quantitative inequality outcomes were finally included for analysis.
Finally, only studies that report the inequalities outcomes were included.
The inequalities outcomes could include quantitative descriptive difference for individuals or groups with different sociodemographic characteristics, absolute or relative concentration index, the slope or relative index of inequality [ 19], or any other measures used by authors for measuring change in inequalities after interventions.
"Private schooling turns inequality of outcome into inequality of opportunity – as the wealthy buy better outcomes for their children.
Atkinson thinks that the division between inequality of outcome and inequality of opportunity is largely false.
It concluded that the way insurers calculated their premiums "has definitely produced an inequality of outcome to the detriment of BME [black and minority ethnic] groups".
The social-science literature includes a complicated debate about the relationship between inequality of outcome (differences of income and of wealth) and inequality of opportunity (differences in education and employment).
Although mindful of a recent firecracker of an essay by David Lipsey on "The Meretriciousness of Meritocracy" – describing equality of opportunity, when combined with serious inequality of outcome, as "the worst possible recipe for a harmonious society", I think not.
