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>This study also ignores that competent individuals can be highly socially mobile in modern Western societies, even from vastly unequal starting conditions. Ho
by simion314 7y ago
>This study also ignores that competent individuals can be highly socially mobile in modern Western societies, even from vastly unequal starting conditions.
How can I get competent if I am poor? It is possible but I need some luck and a lot more work then someone with more money. In my case around 20 years ago in Romania my family did not had money for things like private teaching lessons, books or a computer where my colleagues that were not rich just middle class had those and had more opportunities. At least we had free higher education and I could study math and later go into computers.
- allovernow 7y agoI don't deny that you started from a disadvantage. And because our time is finite it strongly affects your ultimate probabilistic outcome. However those with the right mix of ability and character are able to better their lot, and the growth is potentially exponential, especially if maintained over generations. Imagine how much better your lot as a poor person immediately becomes if you spend months or years saving for your first computer. Now you have internet access and somewhere to learn and maybe program. Just an example. You did it, didn't you? So did my family, who came to the U.S. with nothing and is now comfortable upper middle class. Wealth inequality alone is an inappropriate metric for social conditions when even your poor can afford smartphones.
- simion314 7y agoYes, but I would disagree with the idea that inequality is fine because the poor have a non zero chance to success with a lot more work then the rich, yes is great that cast systems are not a thing in most countries but because the current way is better then the horrible cast system is not enough.