Evaluating Allocations of Opportunities

Overview & Synopsis

This paper provides a robust criterion for comparing lists of probability distributions-interpreted as allocations of opportunitiesfaced by different social groups. We axiomatically argue in favor of comparing those lists of probability distributions on the basis of a uniform-among groups-valuation of their expected utility. We identify an empirically implementable criterion for comparing allocations of opportunities that coincides with the unanimity of all such uniform valuations of expected utility that exhibit aversion to inequality of opportunity. We illustrate our criterion by evaluating allocations of educational opportunities among castes and genders in 14 Indian states.