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Meritocracy and inequality - exploring a complex relationship
Merytokracja i nierówności - badanie złożonej relacji
[journal article]
Abstract Recent studies have suggested that the inequality problem seems to be legitimated by meritocratic attitudes. Whilst it is argued that meritocracy justifies socio-economic inequalities by defining individual achievements and efforts as causes for inequality, it is often overlooked how underlying mech... view more
Recent studies have suggested that the inequality problem seems to be legitimated by meritocratic attitudes. Whilst it is argued that meritocracy justifies socio-economic inequalities by defining individual achievements and efforts as causes for inequality, it is often overlooked how underlying mechanisms work. This study investigates how meritocracy sustains inequalities. In its mixed methods explanatory sequential design, it first builds on quantitative data from an International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) questionnaire, finding a significantly positive and inelastic relationship between inequality acceptance and meritocratic beliefs. Subsequently, a qualitative systematic literature review is conducted, suggesting that the relationship between meritocracy and inequality may be more circular than previously assumed. Furthermore, the results suggest that people's meritocratic attitudes depend more on their social context than on their endorsement of meritocracy.... view less
Keywords
ISSP; inequality; social inequality; meritocracy; legitimacy; individualism; achievement-oriented society; social attitude; quantitative method; acceptance; socioeconomic factors; interdependence
Classification
General Sociology, Basic Research, General Concepts and History of Sociology, Sociological Theories
Free Keywords
ISSP 2009
Document language
English
Publication Year
2022
Page/Pages
p. 13-22
Journal
Sztuka Leczenia / Art of Healing, 37 (2022) 2
Issue topic
Meritocracy and inequality - exploring a complex relationship
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4467/18982026SZL.22.009.16670
ISSN
1898-2026
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed