Inequality of Opportunity

Family structure and the social norms behind family formation are changing rapidly in the region. Despite rapid demographic and cultural changes, significant gender, ethnic and race gaps remain. While the gender gap has narrowed with the reduction of income inequality, ethnic and race gaps have remained stubbornly high. Communities beyond the nuclear family also play a key role in the establishment of social norms and in shaping opportunities more generally.

The second theme regards inequality of opportunities, analysing the role of the family and community in shaping inequality for the next generation. It investigates the determinants of gender, ethnic and race gaps. Finally, it explores the role of communities and how social norms and culture interact with institutions to generate inequality of opportunities.