Inequality In Distribution Research Articles

Inequalities in Primary Care Provision in Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea

Abstract Background Primary care clinics play a crucial role in community health promotion by facilitating early disease detection and management. The number of these clinics in Gwangju Metropolitan City increased from 931 in 2000 to 2,400 in 2022, but this growth was not evenly distributed within the city. This study aims to examine the spatial inequalities in the distribution of clinics in Gwangju Metropolitan City. Methods This study utilized local administrative licensing data on medical institutions classified as clinics. To estimate healthcare resource imbalances, Lorenz curves and Gini indices for the number of clinics per 100,000 individuals and per square kilometer were calculated by district. Results The number of primary care clinics per 1,000 individuals or per square kilometer was highest in Dong-gu and Seo-gu, while Gwangsan-gu had relatively fewer facilities. In particular, Buk-gu, Seo-gu, and Nam-gu had more than 40% of areas with a high number of healthcare facilities relative to population or area, whereas less than 50% of Gwangsan-gu fell into the lower tier in these categories. The Gini index, used to measure the geographical inequality of healthcare facility distribution, showed a slight improvement from 2000 to 2023. However, Seo-gu and Buk-gu exhibited different trends compared to other districts. Conclusions Geographical disparities in the distribution of primary care clinics in Gwangju Metropolitan City have slightly improved since 2000, but show different patterns by district. Addressing healthcare imbalances is essential for enhancing health equity, requiring multifaceted efforts to mitigate disparities and improve medical service accessibility in underserved areas. Key messages • Significant disparities exist in the distribution of primary care clinics across Gwangju, with higher densities in Dong-gu and Seo-gu, and fewer facilities in Gwangsan-gu. • The Gini index for clinic distribution has improved since 2000, but disparities remain, particularly in Seo-gu and Buk-gu. Continued efforts are essential to reduce healthcare inequalities further.

Multidimensional human wellbeing in periodic octopus closures in Zanzibar

ABSTRACT Our study of periodic octopus closures helps to fill an empirical gap in community-based marine protected area (MPA) research on socially-diverse multidimensional wellbeing impacts. Human wellbeing provides a more meaningful and holistic measure of social impacts than previous economic measures while recognising equity- evidence that ultimately ensures support and enables long-term success in conservation. We trace the flow of benefits, costs and burdens from closures at three sites in Zanzibar and explore how different types of fishers and traders perceive impacts. This is done at a personal, livelihood group and village or community level, as well as in terms of ecosystem effects. Storytelling, photo-elicitation tasks and focused discussions prioritized participants’ emic descriptions and understandings of closures. We iteratively, qualitatively coded data using a three-dimensional (material, relational and subjective) social wellbeing approach. Despite different conditions and histories at the three sites, participants identified similar wellbeing attributes as affected by the closure. Themes included social conflict, non-compliance, income, education, food/nutrition, and communal benefits reflecting recent literature on MPAs and human wellbeing. Perceptions of inequity cross cut all three dimensions and gender was a strong dimension that emphasized procedural and distributional inequity between different types of livelihood groups e.g. small-scale traderwomen and male skindivers. Material wellbeing losses due to poor market environments highlighted how better alignment is needed between periodic closure activities and resulting value chain dynamics. Opening events intensely impacted wellbeing across all dimensions, suggesting that these moments are critical for creating positive perceptions or losing support for closures.

Social epidemiology of urban COVID-19 inequalities in Latin America and Canada

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has spread through pre-existing fault lines in societies, deepening structural barriers faced by precarious workers, low-income populations, and racialized communities in lower income sub-city units. Many studies have quantified the magnitude of inequalities in COVID-19 distribution within cities, but few have taken an international comparative approach to draw inferences on the ways urban epidemics are shaped by social determinants of health.MethodsGuided by critical epidemiology, this study quantifies sub-city unit-level COVID-19 inequalities across eight of the largest metropolitan areas of Latin America and Canada. Leveraging new open-data sources, we use concentration indices to quantify income- and vulnerability-related inequalities in incidence, test positivity, and deaths over the first 125 weeks of the pandemic between January 2020 and May 2022.ResultsOur findings demonstrate that incidence, deaths, and test positivity are all less concentrated in low-income sub-city units than would be expected, with incidence ranging concentration in lower income neighbourhoods in Toronto (CI = -0.07) to concentration in higher income neighbourhoods in Mexico City (CI = 0.33). Drawing on relevant studies and evaluations of data reliability, we conclude that the best available public surveillance data for the largest cities in Latin America are likely not reliable measures of the true COVID-19 disease burden. We also identify recurring trends in the evolution of inequalities across most cities, concluding that higher income sub-city units were frequent early epicentres of COVID-19 transmission across the Latin America and Canada.ConclusionsJust as critical epidemiology points to individuals biologically embodying the material and social conditions in which we live, it may be just as useful to think of cities reifying their material and social inequities in the form of sub-city unit-level infectious disease inequities. By shifting away from a typical vulnerability-based social determinants of health frame, policymakers could act to redress and reduce externalities stemming from sub-city unit-level income inequality through redistributive and equity-promoting policies to shift the centre of gravity of urban health inequalities before the next infectious disease epidemic occurs.

Law, Commodification, and the Distribution of Resources

Abstract By exploring the historical and theoretical underpinnings of law as a source of distributional inequities and resource depletion, in tandem with its influence on investment in tangible and intangible assets in contemporary capitalism, this special issue paves the way for new understandings that might better promote shared community interests in sustainability and social equality.

What’s Wrong with Some Having More than Others?

Abstract According to Derek Parfit, “telic” egalitarians accept “The Principle of Equality,” which says, “It is in itself bad if some people are worse off than others” (1991, p. 4). This essay argues that there is no good reason to believe this principle and considerable reason to doubt it. Either egalitarianism is groundless, or this principle misconstrues egalitarianism. The latter is my view. The essay criticizes the main arguments in defense of this principle of equality and offers an explanation why so many mistakenly believe that distributional inequalities are bad.

Distribution of The Health Workers in The Tuberculosis Sector, Mongolia: Assessment Results Using the Gini Index

Background: Mongolia was classified as one of the 30 countries with the highest tuberculosis burden by World Health Organization in 2021 and tuberculosis is the first leading cause of mortality among deaths from all communicable diseases in the country. The number and distribution of health workers to provide tuberculosis healthcare services will play an important role in the fight against tuberculosis. However, there has been no quantitative evaluation of the distribution of tuberculosis health workers in Mongolia. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the distribution of health workers in the tuberculosis sector using the Gini index. The results provide quantifiable information for monitoring resource distribution and serve as a basis for informed decision-making on resource allocation, facilitating targeted interventions and equitable healthcare distribution in Mongolia. Methods: Data from the National Center for Communicable Diseases and the National Statistical Information Service of Mongolia was obtained and analyzed. The Gini coefficients were calculated to reflect the inequality of distributions. Results: Total number of health workers in the tuberculosis sector was only 1.29 per 10,000 population. The Gini index values for the distribution of tuberculosis doctors, assistant workers, nurses, and laboratory technicians were at 0.61, 0.67, 0.43, and 0.33 respectively, all showing a range from severe to relative inequality. Conclusions: Findings showed the number and distribution of tuberculosis health workers were both inadequate and unequal and ring the need for proper health system planning. To plan the tuberculosis control and address the high burden of the disease in the country, the human resources situation should be analyzed and handled regularly. Keywords: Mongolia, Tuberculosis, Health workers, Distribution, Gini index

Psychosocial impacts of post-disaster compensation processes: narrative systematic review

After disasters, many people seek compensation for physical, psychological or economic damages. However, compensation processes can be perceived as arduous and unfair and potentially create stress for both individuals and communities. This systematic review explored the psychosocial impacts of post-disaster compensation processes, including compensation sought through both litigation and government assistance programmes. We searched seven databases, hand-searched reference lists of included studies, and used thematic analysis to synthesise results of included studies. We screened 6,532 papers, ultimately including 66 in the review. While we found mixed evidence regarding the relationship between individual mental health and the compensation process, many studies suggested the process placed demands on emotional resources and could cause stress. Numerous challenges of the compensation process were described, including complicated paperwork, lengthy processes, inadequate information, confusing eligibility criteria, lack of inter-agency cooperation, poor understanding of communities’ unique needs, insufficient pay-outs, and politicisation of the process. Inequities in compensation distribution introduced additional stress to already traumatised communities, who often experienced resentment, envy and conflict. The mixed nature of the relationship between mental health and the compensation process was evident in research trends where a small number of studies reported positive findings related to relating to gratitude, helpfulness of compensation and strengthened community relationships, while a substantial number of others reported negative impacts including higher mental health problems. Positive and negative impacts were reported for both litigation and non-litigation compensation-seeking. The nuanced dynamics of these findings are described in greater detail within the paper. It is important that compensation regulators consider the potential impacts on individuals and communities and take steps to address compensation inequities. This enhanced understanding of how those affected by disasters can rebuild their lives and furthering understanding of how to support them will enable evidence-based approaches to building resilience and planning for long-term recovery. Significant compensation process improvements could be realised by ensuring clear communication and transparent decision-making. Overall, this review underscores the importance of ensuring that compensation processes are fair and straightforward so they can repair material losses without deteriorating the social norms and relationships of affected communities.

“In the dry season, our suffering doubles”: Barriers to water access in poor urban settlements in Ghana

If current trends of water insecurity continue, nearly two-thirds of the world’s population will live in water-scarce conditions by 2025. Nevertheless, qualitative studies on barriers to water access, particularly in informal settlements, remain limited. This study used in-depth interviews to examine the daily barriers to water access faced by urban poor households in Ghana. A total of 30 (n = 30) semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with residents in water-insecure areas in Tamale and Accra, Ghana. Four themes emerged from our analysis: lack of financial resources, distance and travel time, land and topography, and poor water infrastructure. Sustainable Development Goal Six cannot be achieved if the water needs of the urban poor, particularly those who dwell in informal settlements, are unmet. Thus, governments and systems must implement measures to eliminate inequalities and inequities in water distribution.

Analisis Ketimpangan Distribusi Pendapatan pada Kabupaten/Kota di Provinsi Bali

Economic development aims to improve the well-being of the population, as reflected in the increase of the Human Development Index (HDI). Although the HDI in the regencies/cities of Bali Province has risen, income disparity persists. Reducing income distribution inequality can be achieved by creating decent job opportunities, lowering unemployment rates, and providing adequate income to ensure a good quality of life for workers. The objectives of this study are (1) To analyse the simultaneous effect of unemployment, economic growth and human development index on income distribution inequality in regencies/cities in Bali Province. (2) To analyse the partial effect of unemployment, economic growth and human development index on income distribution inequality in regencies/municipalities in Bali Province. The data used is secondary data, with 117 observation points. The analysis technique used is panel data regression model technique. The results showed that (1) Unemployment, economic growth and human development index simultaneously affect the inequality of income distribution in regencies/cities in Bali Province. (2) Unemployment and economic growth have a positive effect but not significant on income distribution inequality, while the human development index has a negative and significant effect on income distribution inequality.

Unraveling the drivers of inequality in primary health-care resource distribution: Evidence from Guangzhou, China

BackgroundPrimary health-care (PHC) resource plays a critical role in addressing challenges related to healthcare accessibility and costs, as well as implementing a graded diagnosis and treatment system. This study aims to analyze the extent and components of inequality in PHC resource allocation in Guangzhou. MethodsBy utilizing data from the Annual Report on Healthcare Institutions for community and township health centers in Guangzhou from 2012 to 2020, this paper analyses the distribution of human, material and financial resources. It examines inequities in health resource allocation using the Gini coefficient. Additionally, it investigates the internal structure of overall inequality through the two-stage nested Theil decomposition method and explores the influencing mechanisms of inequality using the concentration index decomposition method. ResultsThe findings indicate that between 2012 and 2020, except for beds in 2018 and 2019, the Gini coefficients for resource allocation relative to population size remained below 0.3. Moreover, the Gini coefficient for geographical area ranged from 0.1228 to 0.3481. The two-stage nested Theil decomposition results reveal that within-district disparity contributes the most to the overall inequality, exceeding 46 %. The Concentration indexes show negative values, and the decomposition analysis highlights the significant contribution of the number of individuals served (over 72 %) to the inequality in health resource allocation. ConclusionAt the administrative district level, the allocation of PHC resources in Guangzhou demonstrates overall equity, with within-district inequality identified as the primary contributor to the overall inequality. The distribution of PHC resources in Guangzhou follows a pro-poor pattern. The key factors influencing equity enhancement in PHC resource allocation in Guangzhou include the number of individuals served, the presence of township health centers among institution types, the number of hospital admissions per capita, and the proportion of children aged 0–3.

Impacto macroeconómico de la dolarización en el Ecuador durante el período 2006-2023

The macroeconomic impact is crucial for determining the well-being of a country. Analyzing variables such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation, unemployment, investment, and foreign trade allows for an assessment of a nation's economic health and financial stability. This article aims to analyze the impact of dollarization in Ecuador between 2006 and 2023. Adopted in 2000 to stabilize the economy and attract foreign investment; dollarization presented monetary and fiscal policy challenges. Authors like Cachanosky and Alvarado highlight the challenges in fiscal control and the relationship between exports and external income. The study employs a quantitative methodology, with regression analysis and time series based on data from the Central Bank of Ecuador. The results show moderate GDP growth and gross investment, as well as fluctuations in liquidity and credit to the private sector, along with persistent inequality in income distribution. The conclusions indicate that while dollarization has contributed to stability, it has limited the country's monetary autonomy. Additionally, dependence on external factors, such as U.S. monetary policy, has affected Ecuador's economic stability. The importance of diversifying the economy, promoting policies that foster sustainable and equitable growth, and reducing vulnerability to external fluctuations is emphasized.

International equity in access to home dialysis.

Discussion of inequalities and inequities in global distribution of and access to home dialysis. The majority of patients receiving home dialysis receive peritoneal dialysis, but these are concentrated in few countries across the globe. Peritoneal dialysis as the most common form of home dialysis has many advantages in terms of individual freedoms, similar outcomes to haemodialysis, being less costly in some countries, and more scalable than in-centre haemodialysis. Despite this there are many inequities in access at the patient, clinician, health system and geopolitical levels. Poverty, discrimination and lack of support at home are important drivers of inequities at the patient level. At the clinician and health systems level lack of experience in home dialysis, lack of resources and lack of time drive patients towards in-centre dialysis. At the geopolitical level, high costs associated with procurement and distribution of peritoneal dialysis solutions exacerbate inequities in access. The challenge of reducing global inequities in access to home dialysis in low- and middle-income countries are vast and would require training of the doctors, nurses, families, patients, leaders and community partners. Once this is achieved, dealing with costs and logistics of supplies is crucial to improve and sustain equitable access.

Trends in resource allocation for primary health care in rural China: Concentration curve and decomposition analysis.

Since 2009, China has made large investments in strengthening the primary healthcare system. This study aimed to examine the trends in the number and distribution of health resources in rural China following the health system reform and to decompose the sources of inequalities. Data were collected from standardized reports compiled by each county in rural China and compiled by the National Health Commission and Bureau of Statistics. From the findings of this empirical study, resource allocation per capita for primary health care (PHC) improved gradually from 2008 to 2014. The distribution of beds across counties (ranked by level of economic development) was relatively equitable. However, the concentration curve analysis indicated that the distribution of primary care professionals remained skewed in favour of wealthier and more urbanised counties. Economic status was proved to be a major contributor to the inequality of health human resource. China's primary care reforms resulted in simultaneously improved supply of PHC resources as well as pro-rich inequality in distribution of the workforce. To advance equality in health resource allocation, greater attention should be paid to the substantial inequality of economic status within counties.

Provincial equity and enhanced health are key drivers for China's 2060 carbon neutrality

China's ambitious 2060 carbon neutrality target necessitates innovative strategies to address the country's status as the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter. This study employs the Global Change Analysis Model to develop a provincial-differentiated control strategy (EQU scenario) that not only aims to meet the national carbon neutrality goal but also enhances population health and environmental equity. The EQU scenario forecasts substantial reductions in average population weighted PM2.5 and O3 concentrations to 7 μg/m3 and 34 ppb, respectively, by 2060. In comparison to a baseline scenario (NEU), the EQU scenario offers more equitable air quality improvements and significant health benefits, potentially preventing 39 thousand PM2.5-related and 10 thousand O3-related premature deaths, with minimal additional cost. The Gini coefficient, indicating CO2 emission distribution inequality among provinces, is projected to decrease from 0.58 in NEU to 0.37 in EQU. This scenario anticipates about one-third of provinces achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, with a harmonized provincial carbon neutrality capacity. The study highlights the critical importance of integrating provincially differentiated controls within national decarbonization strategies, advancing equitable deep decarbonization and reinforcing environmental justice in China.

Understanding period product use among young women in rural and urban India from a geospatial perspective

Ensuring proper menstrual hygiene management remains a significant challenge for young women in India. The term "exclusive use of hygienic period products during menstruation" refers to relying solely on period products like sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups. Poor menstrual hygiene practices not only increase the risk of reproductive tract infections but also lead to various negative health outcomes, including discomfort and potential complications. This study explores factors associated with the exclusive use of period products during menstruation aged 15–24, investigates geographic disparities, examines rural–urban gaps, and assesses inequality in India. Utilizing data from the fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), responses from 2,41,180 women aged 15 to 24 were analysed using logistic regression and multivariate decomposition analyses to explore socioeconomic predictors. Moran's I statistics also assessed spatial dependency, while Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients measured inequality. Quintile and LISA maps visualized regional disparities. The study found that 76.15% of women in India reported exclusive use of hygienic period products during menstruation. Rural areas reported a lower percentage of exclusive use of hygienic period products (72.32%) during menstruation compared to urban areas (89.37%). Key factors associated with the exclusive use of hygienic period products among 15–24-year-old women in India include age, education, place of residence, wealth, access to media, and healthcare discussions. Geographically, central districts exhibited the lowest coverage (< 65%), while the Southern region reported the highest (> 85). The GINI coefficient of 0.39 highlighted moderate inequality in distribution. Decomposition analysis revealed that household wealth contributed 49.25% to rural–urban differences, followed by education (13.41%), media access (7.97%), and region (4.97%). This study highlights significant regional disparities and low utilization of hygienic period products among young women in India, particularly in central districts. Policymakers should prioritize interventions targeting these regions, addressing socio-economic disparities. Strategies to promote education, improve media access, and enhance household wealth can facilitate menstrual hygiene adoption. Initiatives to reduce sanitary napkin costs and increase accessibility, particularly in rural areas, are crucial to mitigating geographical disparities nationwide.

Environmental regulation, endowment characteristics and income inequality: A general equilibrium analysis

Environmental regulations such as the “dual carbon” target directly act on the restriction of the total amount of dirty capital to reduce carbon emissions. The change in factor endowment will have a range of effects on production and income distribution. To examine the effects of environmental regulations restricting dirty capital endowment on income distribution, this paper presents a general equilibrium model with two sectors and three factors. The unregulated clean capital-intensive sector is imperfectly competitive and features firm dynamics, using labor and clean capital as factors of production, while the regulated dirty capital-intensive sector is perfectly competitive using labor and dirty capital. We show that a decrease in the dirty capital endowment will reduce the output of the dirty capital-intensive sector and expand the clean capital-intensive sector in the long run, making society transition to green production. The tighter the restriction on the use of the dirty capital endowment is, the more firms will enter the clean capital-intensive sector, while the business-stealing effect will reduce the output of individual clean firms. We further show that the rents of both dirty and clean capital will rise while the wage of labor will fall due to the regulation. Changes in factor prices do not necessarily lead to inequality in income distributions. When the factor substitution effect in the regulated sector is large enough, clean production regulation will increase the share of labor income and decrease the share of capital income.

Endocrine cancer trends 1990-2021: global disparities and health inequalities.

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of global, continental, and national trends in the prevalence and mortality of prostate cancer (PC), breast cancer (BC), and thyroid cancer (TC). Utilizing 2021 Global Burden of Diseases (GBD2021) data, prevalence and death rates for 2021 were examined, with temporal trends from 1990 to 2021 analyzed via Joinpoint regression. Annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC) were calculated with 95% CI. Distributive inequalities were quantified using the slope index of inequality and concentration index. In 2021, PC, BC, and TC showed higher global age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPR) in Europe and America compared to Africa and Asia, while higher age-standardized death rates (ASDR) for PC and BC were noted in Africa. Over the study period, significant global increases in ASPR were observed for PC (AAPC = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.67 to 0.89), BC (AAPC = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.37), and TC (AAPC = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.31 to 1.52). Conversely, ASDR significantly decreased for PC (AAPC = -0.83, 95% CI: -0.92 to -0.74), BC (AAPC = -0.48, 95% CI: -0.56 to -0.39), and TC (AAPC = -0.23, 95% CI: -0.29 to -0.17). Variations were observed across continents and time periods, affecting 204 countries and territories. Higher Social Development Index (SDI) levels were associated with a more pronounced burden of these cancers. The findings highlight significant global heterogeneity in prevalence, death rates, and temporal trends of endocrine cancers, with important implications for epidemiology and public health policies.

Analisis Pertumbuhan Ekonomi dan Ketimpangan Distribusi Pendapatan Provinsi Bali

This study aims to determine the Regency / City Classification in Bali Province based on the Klassen Typology, the condition of income distribution inequality between districts / cities, the relationship between income distribution inequality with per capita income, and whether the relationship forms the U-Reverse Kuznets Curve. This research is an analysis of secondary data obtained from BPS Bali Province. The analytical model used is Klassen Typology analysis, Williamson Index, Product Moment Correlation (Pearson). Klassen's Typology Results, Badung Regency and Denpasar City are included in Quadrant I area, Gianyar Regency is included in Quadrant III area, and the remaining 6 Regencies are included in Quadrant IV area. Furthermore, the Williamson Index Calculation in the Year of Observation shows that there is an imbalance in the Province of Bali which shows a downward trend. While the calculation result of Product Moment Correlation (Pearson) shows a very strong relationship between the Williamson Index and the Per capita GRDP and is negative, but the relationship does not form the Kuznets Curve to be a U-Reverse letter.

Sociodemographic inequalities in residential nighttime light pollution in urban Bulgaria: An environmental justice analysis

IntroductionOutdoor nighttime light (NTL) is a potential anthropogenic stressor in urban settings. While ecological studies have identified outdoor NTL exposure disparities, uncertainties remain about disparities in individual exposure levels, particularly in Europe. AimTo assess whether some populations are disproportionately affected by outdoor NTL at their residences in urban Bulgaria. MethodsWe analyzed 2023 data from a representative cross-sectional survey of 4,270 adults from the five largest Bulgarian cities. Respondents’ annual exposures to outdoor artificial nighttime luminance were measured using satellite imagery and assigned at their places of residence. We calculated the Gini coefficient as a descriptive NTL inequality measure. Associations between respondents’ NTL exposure levels and sociodemographic characteristics were assessed by estimating quantile mixed regression models. Stratified regressions were fitted by gender and for each city. ResultsWe found moderate distributive NTL inequalities, as indicated by a 0.214 Gini coefficient. Regression analyses found associations between greater NTL exposure and higher educational attainment. Respondents with incomes perceived as moderate experienced less NTL exposure at the 0.5 and 0.8 quantiles, while unemployed respondents experienced lower exposure at the 0.2 and 0.5 quantiles. We observed null associations for the elderly and non-Bulgarian ethnicities. Regardless of the quantile, greater population density was associated with higher NTL levels. Stratification by sex did not yield substantial differences in the associations. We observed notable city-specific heterogeneities in the associations, with differences in the magnitudes and directions of the associations and the NTL quantiles. ConclusionsNTL exposures appeared to embody an environmental injustice dimension in Bulgaria. Our findings suggest that some sociodemographic populations experience higher exposure levels to NTL; however, those are not necessarily the underprivileged or marginalized. Identifying populations with high exposure levels is critical to influencing lighting policies to ease related health implications.

The Distributive Demands of Relational Egalitarianism

AbstractThe article outlines the distributive demands of relational equality in the form of a dynamic corridor of legitimate distributive inequality. It does so by complementing the already widely accepted sufficientarian floor with a limitarian ceiling, leading, in a first step, to a "corridor" of limited distributive inequality as a necessary condition for relational equality. This corridor alone, however, only provides necessary distributive conditions for relational equality and still allows for degrees of distributive inequality that would risk undermining egalitarian relations. Thus, in a second step, intra-corridor distributive inequalities must be regulated by two further constraints: a (context- dependent) ratio between the best- and worst-off, and a demand for equality of opportunity so that inequalities result from people’s responsible choices. This set of demands spells out the distributive conditions that are not only necessary, but sufficient to provide a sound distributive basis for relational equality. After presenting this view, the article defends it against several objections.