Final answer:
Sandel's argument about the American belief in meritocracy implies that success is seen as one's own doing, which can lessen the sense of responsibility towards those who are less successful.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sandel’s argument suggests that in the United States, there is a deep-seated belief that jobs and opportunities are rewards for those who have earned them through their own efforts. As part of this meritocratic viewpoint, the more we see our success as a result of our own doing, the less inclined we might be to feel a sense of responsibility for those who do not succeed. This outlook is intertwined with the concept of the American Dream, where success is often attributed to individual hard work and perseverance. However, structural challenges such as economic recessions, automation, and social inequalities reveal that the job market is more complex and not solely determined by personal merit.