The article emphasizes that having the same rights in society does not inherently ensure that everyone has the same freedom to make choices. It highlights that social norms often precede legal rights and shape the perceptions of what is possible, acceptable, or desirable, thereby defining not only the outcomes people achieve but also the very scope of their choices. Cecilia Machado's column 'The Cultural Root of Gender Inequality' is referenced as a starting point to further explore this idea.

The article argues that social norms play a crucial role in perpetuating inequalities even when formal rights improve. It suggests that while policies may aim to address specific issues, they often fail to address the deeper mechanisms that restrict individuals' choices. This superficial approach can lead to modest results in combating inequalities, as interventions might only target symptoms rather than the root causes of the problem.

Representativity is presented as a critical evaluation point for the argument concerning social norms and inequalities. The discourse surrounding representativity is often overly simplistic; it is sometimes seen as a straightforward solution or dismissed as merely symbolic. The article encourages a deeper understanding of how representation interacts with societal norms, shaping the actual impact of initiatives aimed at enhancing equality in society.