Despite the crucial role of incomes in the advantages enjoyed by different persons, the relationship between income and other resources), on the one hand, and individual achievements and free- s neither constant nor in any sense automatic doms, on the other and irresistible. Different types of contingencies lead to systematic variations in the "conversion" of incomes into the distinct "func- we can achieve, and that affects the lifestyles we can enjoy tioning I have tried to illustrate in this chapter the different ways in which there can be systematic variations in the relationship between incomes earne d and substantive freedoms (in the form of capability to lead lives that people have reason to value). The respective roles heterogeneities, environmental diversities, variations in of persona social climate, differences in relational perspectives and distributions within the family have to receive the serious attention they deserve r the making of public policy