Life Examined
The myth and dark side of meritocracy
Most people say merit-based success is the result of hard work and dedication. Those who achieve success typically enjoy the rewards: a better income, praise and recognition.
By Jonathan Bastian • • 51m ListenMost people say merit-based success is the result most say of hard work and dedication. Those who achieve success typically enjoy the rewards: a better income, praise and recognition. Less talked about is the role of luck — like a natural born talent or timing and class. How do we reckon with a meritocratic society that is actually heavily stacked against those who are less fortunate? Could the current pandemic provide an opportunity to truly reevaluate the dignity of the essential worker?
And in today’s society, if you want to compete and win in the global economy you need to go to college, but is the mantra “education, education, education” misplaced? Does a college degree further divide Americans into winners and losers?
In this episode
2 storiesDoes a merit based society divide us into winners and losers?
Merit-based success has long been celebrated in America — the result most say of hard work and dedication. Those who achieve success typically enjoy the rewards: a better income, praise and recognition.
Read the story29 minThe myth of merit based education
In today’s society, if you want to compete and win in the global economy you need to go to college, as Harvard University political philosophy professor Michael Sandel puts it, “what you earn will depend on what you learn.”
Read the story23 min
