Does Meritocracy Reward Talent or Access to the Conditions That Develop It?
Does Meritocracy Reward Talent or Access to the Conditions That Develop It? Why Raw Talent Rarely Wins Alone in a So-Called Meritocracy We like to believe in meritocracy : the idea that effort and talent alone determine success. It’s appealing because it promises fairness and justifies outcomes. But what if the real differentiator isn’t innate talent, but access to the conditions that cultivate it? And what if acknowledging this doesn’t mean abandoning standards, but rather understanding how to identify excellence more accurately? This question cuts to the heart of how we structure schools, jobs, and social systems. By reframing what we mean by “merit,” we open the door to smarter policies and more inclusive definitions of success. If you’ve ever wondered why some people rise faster than others with equal talent, read on. The Myth of the Level Playing Field Meritocracy assumes everyone starts from the same line. But in reality, some are born on the track while others have to build it f...