There is a pervasive ideology that claims America is a land of unlimited opportunity, and people get out of the system what they put into it based on talent, attitude, hard work, and character. The Meritocracy Myth: Who Gets Ahead and Why deconstructs this idea by identifying factors that suppress, neutralize, or negate merit-based traits. These include economic inheritance, who you know (social capital) and "fitting in" (cultural capital), being at the right place at the right time, unequal access to educational opportunities, and discrimination based on race, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical disability, religion, and physical appearance. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter encourage students to think critically and develop a deeper understanding of why some people succeed and others fail. New to the Fifth Edition New discussion of national college admission scandal highlights how educational opportunities are mediated by social class (Chapter 5) Revised Chapter 7, "The Luck Factor," includes discussions of how the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturing of critical goods in the U.S., and the oversupply of college graduates impact the likelihood of intergenerational mobility New discussion on reparations as a way to address inequality for historically discriminated against groups reflects current debates (Chapter 10) New discussion of murders of Black suspects by police, Black Lives Matter, and the Dobbs Supreme Court decision illustrate ongoing patterns of discrimination that impact the prospects of Americans (Chapter 9)
Stephen J. McNamee is professor emeritus of sociology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
I don't think there is a competitor that accomplishes what this book does-summarize the sociology of inequality in a clear, interesting, and succinct-yet-thorough fashion. The Meritocracy Myth provides a coherent perspective on the world. Many textbooks are a long mishmash of theories and facts; this one has a compelling message and point of view.--Scott Harris, Saint Louis University The Meritocracy Myth allows me to explain how categories of difference are constructed, how they are translated into inequalities, and how inequalities are maintained as mechanisms of oppression, privilege, exploitation, and exclusion. It is engaging, rendering complex theories and concepts digestible.--Azat Gundogan, Florida State University The Meritocracy Myth is detailed, comprehensive, and relevant. Like social life, it is complex. McNamee's writing style is very accessible, well written, and engaging for university students. The book's arguments are very well organized and developed and revealing of the effects of inequalities of opportunity on inequalities of social rewards.--Benny Marcus, Temple University
