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The Blurb On The Back:
Even in the midst of runaway economic inequality and dangerous social division, it remains an axiom of modern life that meritocracy promises to open opportunity to all. The idea that reward should follow ability and effort is so entrenched in our psyche that, even as society divides itself at almost every turn, all sides can be heard repeating meritocratic nations.
But what if, both up and down the social ladder, meritocracy is a sham? Today, meritocracy has become exactly what it was conceived to resist: a mechanism for the concentration and dynastic transmission of wealth and privilege across generations. Upward mobility has become a fantasy for the embattled middle classes, while at the same time, even those who manage to claw their way to the top are required to work with crushing intensity. All this sets directly from meritocracy’s successes.
This is the radical argument that The Meritocracy Trap prosecutes with rare force, comprehensive research, and devastating persuasion. Daniel Markovits knows from the inside the corrosive system we are trapped within, as well as how we can take the first steps towards a world that might afford us both prosperity and dignity.
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
David Markovits is Guido Calabresi Professor of Law at Yale University and director of the Yale Center for the Study of Private Law. This interesting but infuriating book convincingly argues that the USA’s middle classes are locked out of opportunities to advance to the professions and elite education and the elite are forming a self-perpetuating clique but relies on such a narrow view of meritocracy that I was unconvinced by the propose solutions.
Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.
Even in the midst of runaway economic inequality and dangerous social division, it remains an axiom of modern life that meritocracy promises to open opportunity to all. The idea that reward should follow ability and effort is so entrenched in our psyche that, even as society divides itself at almost every turn, all sides can be heard repeating meritocratic nations.
But what if, both up and down the social ladder, meritocracy is a sham? Today, meritocracy has become exactly what it was conceived to resist: a mechanism for the concentration and dynastic transmission of wealth and privilege across generations. Upward mobility has become a fantasy for the embattled middle classes, while at the same time, even those who manage to claw their way to the top are required to work with crushing intensity. All this sets directly from meritocracy’s successes.
This is the radical argument that The Meritocracy Trap prosecutes with rare force, comprehensive research, and devastating persuasion. Daniel Markovits knows from the inside the corrosive system we are trapped within, as well as how we can take the first steps towards a world that might afford us both prosperity and dignity.
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
David Markovits is Guido Calabresi Professor of Law at Yale University and director of the Yale Center for the Study of Private Law. This interesting but infuriating book convincingly argues that the USA’s middle classes are locked out of opportunities to advance to the professions and elite education and the elite are forming a self-perpetuating clique but relies on such a narrow view of meritocracy that I was unconvinced by the propose solutions.
Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.
