The US education system is often seen as meritocratic, implying hard work and academic achievement will lead to success.
Historically viewed as an equalizer to bridge gaps between economic and racial disparities.
Main Argument: Merit alone doesn't determine success; factors like family income, wealth, race, and gender significantly influence educational and career opportunities.
Key Factors Influencing Inequality:
Family Income and Wealth: Determines access to quality education and resources.
Race and Gender: Affects treatment and opportunities within educational institutions.
Standardized Tests (e.g., SATs): Intended to measure merit but often replicate privilege and maintain inequality.
Implications:
Perpetuates belief among successful individuals that their success is solely due to hard work, ignoring systemic advantages.
Marginalized groups remain disadvantaged despite hard work.
Further Exploration:
Episode of "Glad You Asked" delves into how meritocracy perpetuates inequality and racism.
Suggested Readings:
"Public Schools Admissions and the Myth of Meritocracy" - NY University Law Review.
"The Meritocracy Trap" by Daniel Markovits.
"The Years That Matter Most" by Paul Tough.
"The Diversity Bargain" by Natasha Warikoo.
"The Big Test: The Secret History of the American Meritocracy" by Nicholas Leman.
"The Merit Myth" by Anthony P. Carnevale et al.
Related Articles:
"Why the Myth of Meritocracy Hurts Kids of Color" - The Atlantic.
"What the College Admissions Scandal Says About Racial Inequality" - Vox.
"Only 7 Black Students Got Into Stuyvesant, NY's Most Selective High School, Out of 895 Spots" - The New York Times.
Conclusion:
The concept of meritocracy is challenged by evidence that systemic factors play a significant role in determining educational and career success, perpetuating inequality and disadvantage for marginalized groups.