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I don't get it.

Yes, it would be much better if we are able to remove discrimination earlier in life.

But this is not a either/or solution between affirmative action and equal opportunity.

But if the assumption that positive reinforcement make a better just society for future generation then doesn't it mean equal opportunity will make also have the same positive effect albeit a little less ?

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I think what the GP is stating is that if we only assess accomplishments and we do it at this stage (later in life after many different phases) those systematically disadvantaged will not be competitive (example: If you went to a crummy public school you have a harder time getting into an ivy league, harder time getting a prestige internship, getting a premium job, etc)

Affirmative action laws were introduced to address this, but the trend toward meritocracy counters them.

My guess; we end up with the worst of both worlds: One stream blind to these factors and a bunch of regulated exceptions.

GP here. You nailed it.

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