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Is it possible to achieve equality of opportunity? Introduction. In today’s society, particularly in South Africa, it is difficult to determine whether or not it is possible to achieve economic, or equality of opportunity. Circumstances in the history of that society, along with individual differences such as class status, race, religion and experiences act as a barrier against the idea of equality of opportunity. Before discussing whether or not the notion is valid and attainable, it is important to understand what the concept of equality means and what issues and facts are able to justify that concept. The concept of Equality of Opportunity and its Justification. The Oxford Dictionary describes the concept of ‘equal’ as, “ The same quantity, quality, size, degree, level, etc… having the same rights or status (human beings are essentially equal)”, and, according to Jacobs, with regard to economic equality, “Economic equality is the idea that some of the economic resources and goods that are important to the lives of the individual citizens, such as wealth, education, and careers, should be distributed equally among them.”(Jacobs, LA, 1997:85). Although this statement is one in which we all adhere to, it is