This page sets out some of the key arguments about the causes and consequences of the gaps highlighted in this section (including why they are unfair). It is not intended to be comprehensive. Click on a box to read the supporting arguments from highlighted third-party reports.
What are the causes of unfair opportunities?
People from poorer backgrounds do less well at school
People from poorer backgrounds do less well at school
The education system can never totally compensate for disadvantage
The education system can never totally compensate for disadvantage
Genetic differences only play a small part in determining educational outcomes
Genetic differences only play a small part in determining educational outcomes
The structure of our economy leads to huge regional inequalities
The structure of our economy leads to huge regional inequalities
People from poorer backgrounds are less likely to get to and do well at university
People from poorer backgrounds are less likely to get to and do well at university
Children with special needs are not well enough supported
Children with special needs are not well enough supported
Wealth inequality is much larger than income inequality
Wealth inequality is much larger than income inequality
What are the consequences of unfair opportunities?
High levels of inequality lead to low levels of social mobility
High levels of inequality lead to low levels of social mobility
Socio-economic inequality leads to environmental inequality
Socio-economic inequality leads to environmental inequality
Socio-economic inequality leads to more crime and less effective criminal justice
Socio-economic inequality leads to more crime and less effective criminal justice
Socio-economic inequality leads to political inequality
Socio-economic inequality leads to political inequality
There is little relationship between merit and reward
There is little relationship between merit and reward
Poor quality work undermines people’s physical and mental health
Poor quality work undermines people’s physical and mental health
Socio-economic inequality leads to health inequalities
Socio-economic inequality leads to health inequalities
Too many people are on low incomes and in insecure work
Too many people are on low incomes and in insecure work
Poorer people don’t have a buffer against economic shocks
Poorer people don’t have a buffer against economic shocks
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