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The problem with open source is that is over represented by privileged people, who have resources to work on it instead of having to have paying job. If you are poor, you have limited chances to contribute anything and thus also potentially getting worse jobs due to no OSS contributions in CV.

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The benefit of open source is that anyone can contribute, thus someone that cannot afford a university degree or does not have the social network that comes with high status can still prove their skill as a software engineer and find a high paying job.

But how can they do that if they need to work for money? Exposure doesn't pay bills. Money is a barrier.

It’s just another door into the profession, one that is honestly more accessible than many others. We cannot remove all barriers to being a software engineer, because people have to learn the skills somewhere.

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