esélyegyenlség

Esélyegyenlőség, or equal opportunity, is a principle in social policy and political philosophy that aims to ensure individuals have fair chances to pursue and realize their potential regardless of their background. It emphasizes removing non-merit-based barriers—such as poverty, discrimination, and unequal access to education, health care, housing, and employment—and creating a level playing field. It is distinct from the goal of guaranteeing equal outcomes; rather, it seeks to ensure that differences in achievement arise from choices and abilities rather than biased starting conditions.

In policy terms, esélyegyenlőség is pursued through a combination of anti-discrimination laws, universal access to essential services, and targeted programs designed to assist disadvantaged groups. Measures may include early childhood education, universal health care, accessible infrastructure, affirmative action, affordable housing, and progressive social safety nets. The underlying aim is to reduce opportunity gaps that correlate with socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, disability, or geography, thereby supporting social mobility.

The concept has broad currency in liberal and social democratic traditions and is widely discussed in national constitutions and policy frameworks. Critics sometimes argue that focusing on opportunity without addressing outcomes can perpetuate unequal results or moral hazard, while supporters contend that genuine equality of opportunity is a prerequisite for a just society and for fair competition.

Measurement of esélyegyenlőség often involves indicators of access to quality services, educational attainment by socioeconomic group, labor-market mobility, and the persistence of gaps in opportunities across generations. See also equality of opportunity, anti-discrimination law, and social mobility.