Question

Within the educational system and the larger United States society, there is a debate over whether this country is a Meritocracy. In a meritocracy, your skills and talents are the only limit on how far you can go (once you decide what the even means). Are we one? I know I try to make each of my classes as pure a meritocracy as I can. I want to think that it is merit and merit alone that results in our success. I am not giving you any reading on the question (or not much). Finding resources to use in a paper on this topic, and the exact focus of the topic are up to you. You will write a paper on where you stand and why on the following question:

“Is the United States a Meritocracy?”
Definition According to The Oxford Dictionary, a Meritocracy is: “1. Government by persons selected competitively according to merit, 2. A group of persons selected in this way, 3. A society governed by meritocracy.”
Basically, it is advancement based on individual ability, motivation, or achievement. Is that the culture in which we live?
Also, what relevance does this topic have for this course and education in general in the United States. Is this the world in which we live?
Consider this as a source-based paper in the largest sense of the word. You are not simply to present your opinions or personal experiences, but rather, you must back up your points of view using evidence quoted from reputable sources.

Answer 1

The United States embraces some aspects of a meritocracy within its institutions, where progress is theoretically based on individual achievement. However, structural inequalities that include the impact of social capital and access to resources suggest that success is not merely a product of merit. As a result, the meritocratic ideal is compromised by the realities of social stratification.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question of whether the United States is a meritocracy — a system where individuals advance based on their merits such as skills, talent, and efforts — is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, meritocratic practices are embedded in various institutions; for instance, in bureaucracies, hiring and promotion are, in theory, based on proven skills rather than nepotism or randomness. Similarly, academic achievement and standardized testing are intended to measure and reward skill and hard work.

However, the notion that the United States operates purely as a meritocracy is countered by evidence of structural inequalities that impact people's ability to succeed. Factors like social capital, financial resources, and access to education significantly influence one's potential for upward mobility. It is clear that while a meritocratic system theoretically encourages hard work and excellence, it is also significantly impacted by social stratification, which is shaped by factors beyond individual control, including wealth and societal values. Therefore, success in America is not determined by merit alone, and existing meritocracies may not always identify talent effectively.

Please confirm your understanding of what constitutes a meritocracy and gather evidence from credible sources to support your viewpoint in your paper on whether the United States is truly a meritocracy.

Learn more about Meritocracy here: