Book review

Giving kids a fair chance (a strategy that works)

Abstract

In his book Giving Children a Fair Chance (a strategy that works), James J. Heckman argues that the origins of social inequality lie in early childhood experiences, especially in disadvantaged homes. The author demonstrates that socio-emotional skills, such as motivation and self-control, are as important as cognitive skills and are formed in the first years of life. Based on studies such as the Perry Preschool and Abecedarian programs, Heckman argues that early interventions generate lasting impacts and greater social and economic returns than late actions. He proposes a policy of “predistribution” that acts before inequality becomes entrenched, promoting richer family environments from an early age. The work is praised for its scientific basis, but criticized for ignoring structural issues, such as poverty, failed institutions and the role of parents. Nevertheless, it stands out as a relevant contribution to the debate on effective public policies to reduce inequality.