 Charity, although a good, is not lateral progress. While noble, a temporary transfer in wealth does not constitute real progress in alleviating economic disparity. Addams never viewed herself as a charity worker, nor did she characterize the work of Hull House as charity: “I am always sorry to have Hull House regarded as philanthropy” (ONS 45). Addams sought lateral progress that could be brought about by the collective will and manifested through social institutions. She believes there would be no need for settlements if “society had been reconstructed to the point of offering equal opportunity for all” (ONS 27). Addams is not advocating a laissez-faire capitalism version of equal opportunity that is abstract and rights-based. Free market economics influences modern understandings of democracy as merely assuring the adequate opportunity to participate. Addams’ approach to equal opportunity is set in a context of vibrant democracy where citizens and social organizations look out for one another because they all have a stake in lateral progress or what today might be termed democratic socialism.