What is a Meritocracy?
A meritocracy is a system, organisation or society where people are selected and move into positions of power and influence based on their demonstrated merit and abilities. Meritocracy suggests that in an ideal society, the rewards of life like money, power and jobs should be distributed according to skill and effort. However, it assumes that everyone starts on a level playing field and putting in hard work will lead to success. Meritocracy is a controversial and contested concept. Some researchers argue that a meritocracy is a false belief which justifies the status quo while ignoring social and economic factors that prevent certain groups from accessing opportunities and achievements.
Is meritocracy good or bad?
Typically, researchers argue that meritocracy is a bad thing, and in fact, many argue that meritocracy is a myth. An article from Forbes explained that the reason for claiming it is a myth is because it ignores several factors that contribute to an individual’s accomplishments and social standing in society. The old class system historically prevented elites and the working class from believing that they deserved their position in life, and meritocracy enlarges this gap between classes and forces the working class to judge themselves by the standards of the elite. Meritocracy can give people a belief that they are working towards success, but corruption is unavoidable since inequality leads successful people to show favouritism for family and friends and simultaneously create barriers for other talented individuals. Research in psychology and neuroscience also suggests that believing in a meritocracy makes people more selfish, prone to acting in a discriminatory manner and are less self-critical.
An alternative ideology to meritocracy includes functiocracy which is a society where individuals are accountable for the contribution their actions make to public good. Aristocracy of talent is another alternative ideology which aims to screen job applicants primarily for competence.
Conclusion
A meritocracy is a system, organisation or society where people are selected and move into positions of power and influence based on their demonstrated merit and abilities. Meritocracy is a controversial and contested concept. Some researchers argue that a meritocracy is a false belief which justifies the status quo while ignoring social and economic factors that prevent certain groups from accessing opportunities and achievements. An alternative ideology to meritocracy includes functiocracy which is a society where individuals are accountable for the contribution their actions make to public good.
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