13. The Just Deserts Economy

This chapter notes that, were the Just Deserts proposal in fact implemented, the economy would look much different. As such, the chapter highlights three areas of impact: philanthropy, women, and disability. By separating chance from merit, philanthropic organizations will see the characteristics of their beneficiaries radically change. Surprisingly, and justly, the economic gender gap will disappear. Lastly, disability is likely to receive increased attention as ability, opportunity, and desert begin to play such an important role in people’s lives. The hope is that philanthropists, feminists, and stakeholders in the disability field will consider Just Deserts an ally and will seek to further its aims by refining its estimates of merit.