Meritocracy and inequality - exploring a complex relationship

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 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.