carebear said:"Misfortune" is a handy term but it is more useful to look at particular external effects on personal choices when trying to determine what got folks where.
Its much more then that when you grow up in poverty.
Equality of outcomes is a nice idea but it isn't a realistic goal. We would do better to work for an actual equality of opportunity and access so that each individual can maximize themselves to the best of their ability.
Socialism and government care doesnt have to mean people make the same money no matter what they do.
Its not about helping people get more money, its about making sure people have the minimum no matter what their situation is.