Page "Justice" Paragraph 29

According to meritocratic theories, goods, especially wealth and social status, should be distributed to match individual merit, which is usually understood as some combination of talent and hard work.

According to needs-based theories, goods, especially such basic goods as food, shelter and medical care, should be distributed to meet individuals ' basic needs for them.

Marxism can be regarded as a needs-based theory on some readings of Marx's slogan " from each according to his ability, to each according to his need ".

According to contribution-based theories, goods should be distributed to match an individual's contribution to the overall social good.