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Grace Economou Honors 240 Week 3 Assignment: Wikipedia Analysis September 21, 2016

Meritocracy

Meritocracy is a system that values those who are hard working achievers. It has been prevalent in society since the time of Confucius through today. The Wikipedia article “Meritocracy” addresses this methodology through its existence in cultures centuries ago through the present, as well as the origin of its definition and how that definition has adapted in different circumstances. Meritocracy is a system that has remained useful in society and has become a form of government because it is beneficial, encourages productiveness, and drives civilizations to success. Since 600 BCE, meritocracy has been the basis of progressive cultures. Confucius was revolutionary in being the first to believe that citizens should appoint their nobility based on who scored the best on a test rather than who was born into the bloodline. The Qin and Han dynasties put his beliefs into practice and depended on this system. Aristotle and Plato were the next well known supporters of the practice. Not long after, this trend spread across the globe: in the Middle East following the death of a ruler in the 600s, Europe and its satellite states during the 17th century and the Enlightenment, and America and Australia through the 1800s. Most recently, Singapore has acknowledged meritocracy as a part of its official governmental proceedings. The Singaporean education system is competitive, and the entire country rewards people based on their merit. This is the basis of meritocracy and why it is so successful. It is a system that creates a way to compare people’s achievements and recognize individuals who stand out against others. Meritocracy is a system based on merit that rewards hard work and accomplishments. It creates a competitive environment that drives people to do their best because they will be rewarded. Our society runs on the concept of meritocracy. Colleges evaluate standardized test scores, grades, and extracurriculars to accept students. Employers ask for GPAs and degrees from well-known schools to distinguish applicants. Even simpler than these things - people who are most competent shopping make purchases before supplies run out. Meritocracy has grown to also encompass any form of government that has its basis in achievement. This ideology has the potential to positively affect society on small and large scales. Meritocracy is looked favorably upon in government because it is viewed as the most equitable way of appreciating citizens and reallocating resources to these citizens. Meritocracy in general is a system that rewards productivity. Individuals are driven to work harder to make effective change, which in turn creates a stronger and better society. But meritocracy can be improved. There is a fine line between meritocracy and elitism, especially in government. Many of those who are unsupportive of meritocracy believe that people’s differences and backgrounds must be acknowledged and accounted for. They believe that not only should the end result be considered, but also the opportunities and obstacles required to get to this point. Naysayers believe meritocracy is unfair, but in reality it is the exact opposite. The system rewards those who do well, regardless of what it took to get there. Everyone has an equal opportunity to be successful in a meritocratic society. These facts encourage and enable people, from all situations, to want to do well because they know they will be rewarded for their accomplishments.

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Notes

“Meritocracy,” last modified September 14, 2016, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meritocracy. “Talk:Meritocracy,” last modified September 18, 2016, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Meritocracy. “Policy Tweaks needed to Root out Elitism,” The Straight Times, August 4, 2013. “Reaffirming Meritocracy,” The Straights Times, December 14, 2012. Pravin Prakash, “The Need for an Evolving Meritocracy,” TODAY (Singapore), February 15, 2013.