Introduction

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingForeword/postscript

Abstract

This book explores the distributive implications of the idea that individuals are or should be held responsible, to some degree, for their achievements. It proposes a theory of fairness that takes into account a concern for personal responsibility, opportunities, and freedom. It considers recent developments in economics and philosophy that view social justice in terms of equal opportunities and describes a simple analytical framework that disentangles the different concepts of fairness related to neutralising inequalities for which the individuals are not held responsible, rewarding their effort, respecting their choices, or staying neutral with respect to their responsibility sphere. The book examines a range of applied policy issues such as income redistribution when individuals may be held responsible for their choices of labour supply or education; second chance policies; social and private insurance when individuals may be held responsible for their risky lifestyle; and the measurement of inequality of opportunities and social mobility.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationFairness, Responsibility, and Welfare
PublisherOxford University Press
ISBN (Electronic)9780191808579
ISBN (Print)9780199215911
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 30 2015
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Keywords

  • Economics
  • Equal opportunities
  • Fairness
  • Income redistribution
  • Insurance
  • Philosophy
  • Responsibility
  • Second chance policies
  • Social justice
  • Social mobility

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