Equality of opportunity and the intergenerational transmission of lifestyles: some normative implications

Abstract The Equality of Opportunity framework assumes that a given distribution of outcomes is a function of factors for which the individuals should be held accountable (referred to as effort) and factors that are beyond the individuals’ responsibility (referred to as circumstances). Circumstances can influence effort by shaping: i) the return to effort (interaction effect) or ii) the distribution of effort (indirect effect). The theoretical literature has mainly focused on the former. This study explores different allocation strategies to mitigate health inequalities due to the unfair indirect effects of circumstances and their alignment with principles of fair allocation. A questionnaire-experimental study is conducted, adapting these concepts to explore public attitudes toward health inequalities resulting from the intergenerational transmission of smoking habits.