Understanding Meritocracy

What is the definition of meritocracy?

• A system in which advancement is based on family connections

• A system in which advancement is based on luck

• A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement.

• A system in which advancement is based on popularity

What are some common criticisms of meritocracy?

• Meritocracy levels the playing field.

• Meritocracy results in elitism.

• Meritocracy addresses systemic barriers effectively

• Meritocracy can perpetuate inequality, and lead to a lack of empathy for those who are less fortunate.

Answer explanation

There is a concern that people who attribute their success to their own “merit” instead of the accident of birth would become insufferably  smug;

Meritocracy, with its emphasis on  individual effort and striving, can   engender a hyper- competitive and  individualistic frame of mind. Excessive emphasis on academic  achievements may stigmatise the  less academically- inclined

How does meritocracy manifest in the education system in Singapore?

• Through selection of students

• Through standardized testing

• Through admissions into primary schools, college and advanced placement opportunities.

• By emphasizing a narrow definition of success

Answer explanation

• Selecting people based on academic grades would lead to inequality due to our focus on exam results. The very nature of Singapore national exams tends to select people with better linguistic and cognitive abilities rather than technical skills.

Meritocracy may have also largely  disregarded ‘ non- merit factors’ - Primary school admission is one. Only the affluent can have a higher chance of entering a prestigious primary school [parent volunteer usually means one parent can afford not to work; property prices near some primary schools are very high]

What are some of the impacts of meritocracy on society?

• It leads to equal distribution of resources and opportunities for all

• It has no impact on social mobility or productivity

• It eliminates all forms of inequality and discrimination

• It can lead to increased social mobility and productivity, but also create inequality and perpetuate privilege.

In a meritocratic society, what is the belief about success and social status?

• Success and social status are predetermined by birth

• Success and social status are determined by family connections

• Success and social status are based on luck and chance

• Success and social status are based on individual talent, effort, and achievement.

What are some potential drawbacks of meritocracy in education?

• Inequality for marginalized groups

• Too many opportunities for all students

• Lack of diversity and inclusion

• Elimination of social and economic barriers

Answer explanation

Those who benefited from the system 

( better education and more  earning power) will use resources to  ensure their children remain winners - in the forms of tuition, admission into more successful primary schools, even training a talent for DSA.

Top primary schools, with better facilities and better system of teaching would then become segregated with the academically bright from well-off families.

What are some examples of how meritocracy can lead to inequality?

• Meritocracy leading to fair and just outcomes for everyone

• Privileged individuals being held accountable for their advantages

• Privileged individuals having more access to resources and opportunities

• Equal distribution of resources and opportunities for all individuals

How does meritocracy influence the distribution of resources in Singapore today?

• By allocating resources based on family influence

• By distributing resources based on luck

• By allocating resources based on individual merit or achievement.

• By randomly distributing resources to everyone

Answer explanation

While meritocracy is supposed to distribute resources according to talent and capability, family influence now plays a part now ironically. Family influence would entrench the advantages  enjoyed by children of the wealth,  enhancing the likelihood that they  can succeed and do better in life compared to their less privileged  peers.

What would be the alternative if we choose not to have meritocracy?

• Theocracy

• nepotism

• Capitalism

• Dictatorship