The accident of birth is a principal source of inequality in America today. American society is dividing into skilled and unskilled, and the roots of this division lie in early childhood experiences. Kids born into disadvantaged environments are at much greater risk of being unskilled, having low lifetime earnings, and facing a range of personal and social troubles, including poor health, teen pregnancy, and crime. While we celebrate equality of opportunity, we live in a society in which birth is becoming fate.
Authors
![James Heckman](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2022-07/James%20Heckman.jpg?itok=zU2q-IGg)
Research Associate University of Chicago
James is a Research Associate of the IFS and the Henry Schultz Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago.
Presentation details
- Publisher
- IFS
Suggested citation
Heckman, J. (2018). 'An Effective Strategy for Reducing Inequality and Promoting Social Mobility by Creating Skills' [Presentation]. London: IFS. Available at: https://ifs.org.uk/publications/effective-strategy-reducing-inequality-and-promoting-social-mobility-creating-skills (accessed: 1 July 2024).
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