Effectively maintained inequality (EMI) was proposed as a general theory of inequality. While the theory flows from a decades-long tradition of studying social background effects on educational attainment, it also has resonances with theories in other domains. After conveying the tenets of EMI, I consider its proposed mechanisms and patterned implications for inequality. Given this foundation, I identify affinities between EMI and selected theoretical predecessors. In the penultimate section, selected implications for policy development and reform strategies are conveyed. A concluding section reflects upon the implications of EMI as a resource for social action.
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