Social justice is composed of opportunity, performance, need, and generational equity, intricately woven together in a magical square. Becker and Hauser discuss these interdependencies and conclude that ensuring formal access equity is by no means sufficient to achieve actual equality of opportunity. Against this backdrop, the authors examine how the framework conditions for realizing social justice have developed; they also interpret a variety of empirical indicators that can provide insights into progress toward the goal. The resulting picture is mixed: on one hand, improvements are particularly evident in the availability of out-of-home childcare and initiatives aimed at equalizing career opportunities for men and women. On the other hand, the barriers in the education sector for lower-income groups remain persistently high.