For some, there is the erosion of the sense of selfworth for those at the bottom of society, as defined by the individual. Mcnamee, 9781442219816, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. The meritocracy myth examines talent, attitude, work ethic, and character as elements of merit and evaluates the effect of nonmerit factors such as social status, race, heritage, and wealth on meritocracy. This makes it difficult for americans to fully understand social problems like inequalities based on race, class, and gender. The first part of this chapter presents the idea of meritocracy, proposed as a basis for social criticism by young in 1948, and the way in which this critical concept was perverted to create an educational meritocratic ideology, i. A compelling book on an oftenoverlooked topic, first edition was highly regarded and proved a. The book also features a new section on the great recession. Our democratic set up rewards mediocrity, compliance, impostorship and ambition for personal advancement. The meritocracy myth only accounts for a 10% change who said the myth of of meritocracy is itself harmful because by discounting the most important causes of inequality. With inequalities at the core of sociology, the meritocracy myth makes a valuable contribution to the field by closely examining the contributing mechanisms that perpetuate class disparities. Download and read free online the meritocracy myth stephen j.
To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. The meritocracy myth challenges the widely held american belief. The meritocracy myth challenges the widely held american belief in meritocracyocothat people get out of the system what they put into it based on individual merit. University of north carolina at wilmington according to the ideology of the american dream, america is the land of limitless opportunity in which individuals can go as far as their own merit takes them. When these people believe that their current status. Jul 18, 20 the meritocracy myth challenges the widely held american belief in meritocracythat people get out of the system what they put into it based on individual merit. Stephen mcnamees important book, the meritocracy myth, gives students and citizens alike a much deeper and more complete understanding of why some. Mcnamee expertly explains how individuals are entangled in a web of forces that interact to shape their fortunesfrom the impact of families and schools, to larger economic and political forces beyond our immediate environments and control. Meritocracy is, as mcnamee and miller 2004 compellingly argue, a myth. Critiquing the american dream mcnamee and millers the. The meritocracy myth, fourth edition 9781538103418.
They examine the origins of the american dream, analyze the case for a meritbased system, and discuss the issue of inheritance the silver spoon. Our democratic set up rewards mediocrity, compliance, impostorship and ambition for. The meritocracy myth book by stephen mcnamee and robert miller do they mean that ability and effort dont matter. The meritocracy myth reminds many of us why we became interested in sociology in the first place. A compelling book on an oftenoverlooked topic, the first edition was highly regarded and proved a useful examination of this classic american ideal. Bush and barack obama, and new material on current topics such. Pdf the myth of meritocracy download full pdf book. A compelling book on an oftenoverlooked topic, the meritocracy myth has become a classroom classic to introduce students to this provocative topic. These citations may not conform precisely to your selected citation style. Start studying mcnamee and miller, the meritocracy myth. In other words, meritocracy, which claims distribution of resources based on individual merit, is not genuineor, it is a myth in the pejorative sense of the word mcnamee and miller, 2004.
Maume, professor of sociology, university of cincinnati. This book challenges the widely held american belief in meritocracy that people get out of the system what they put into it based predominately on individual. Miller, professors of sociology at the university of north carolinawilmington, challenge the meritocracy myth, or the ideology that proclaims where you end up in the socioeconomic hierarchy is a direct function of your own. Paul durrenberger, pennsylvania state university mcnamee and miller explain that meritocracy is a myth and that there is no substitute for starting in advance of others in life, and that being female or a minority definitely makes you start behind. Now in its 4th edition, the meritocracy myth remains a necessary and welcome addition to the syllabus of courses on social inequality. According to mcnamee and miller, the idea of meritocracy is a myth because nonmerit factors impede success. Robert k miller this book challenges the widely held american belief in meritocracythat. Mcnamee and miller, the meritocracy myth flashcards. Buy a cheap copy of the meritocracy myth book by stephen j. The meritocracy myth this book is the best work to date on the foundations and developmental factors of the widespread idea of deserved wealth and its psychosocial implications in america. Critiquing the american dream mcnamee and miller s the meritocracy myth published online 1 april 2007. The meritocracy myth challenges the widely held american belief in meritocracythat people get out of the system what they put into it based on individual merit. Choice mcnamee and miller explain that meritocracy is a myth and that there is no substitute for starting in in this third edition, they lay out proof while streamlining their narrative.
The authors cite data which shows that 20% of american households receive 50% of all available income and the lowest 20% of. Mcnamee and miller explain that meritocracy is a myth and that there is no substitute for starting in advance of others in life, and that being female or a minority definitely makes you start behind. In this third edition, they lay out proof while streamlining their narrative. A compelling book on an oftenoverlooked topic, the meritocracy myth has become a classroom classic to introduce students to this.
The third edition has been revised and streamlined, with fresh examples and updated statistical information throughout. Bush and barack obama, and new material on current topics. Mcnamee is professor of sociology at the university of north carolina wilmington. The meritocracy myth exposes the deceptive american rhetoric that hard work, talent and virtue are all that is necessary to make it to the top. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.
Chicago turabian humanities citation style guide mcnamee, stephen j. Jul 18, 20 paul durrenberger, pennsylvania state university mcnamee and miller explain that meritocracy is a myth and that there is no substitute for starting in advance of others in life, and that being female or a minority definitely makes you start behind. Meritocracy myth word the meritocracy myth by stephen j. Buy the meritocracy myth third by mcnamee, stephen j. In a 2004 article called the meritocracy myth, scholars stephen j. And i suspect that many sociology students will soon find the same. Mcnamee and miller explain that meritocracy is a myth and that there is no substitute for starting in advance of others in life, and that being female or a.
Mcnamee expertly explains how individuals are entangled in a web of forces that interact to shape their fortunesfrom the impact of families and schools, to larger economic and political forces beyond our. According to the ideology of the american dream, america is the land of limitless opportunity in which individuals can go as far as their own merit takes them. Stephen mcnamee and robert miller of the university of north carolina, argue in their book, the meritocracy myth that there is a serious gap between how people think our economic system works and how it actually works. The meritocracy myth examines talent, attitude, work ethic, and character as. Jul 18, 20 buy the meritocracy myth third by mcnamee, stephen j. Side effects of the meritocracy myth young 1958 examined the harsh side effects of meritocracy. Robert k miller this book challenges the widely held american belief in meritocracythat people get out of the system what they. Download citation the meritocracy myth according to the ideology of the american. The meritocracy myth challenges the widely held american belief in meritocracy that people get out of the system what they put into it based on individual merit. The meritocracy myth is a myth not because people of merit dont exist.
Chicago turabian author date citation style guide mcnamee, stephen j. Every sociology student should read this clear and compelling book, and their instructors should too. In their first paragraph the authors explain that the idea of a meritocracy is central to the set of ideas that make up what is called the american dream. Fully revised and updated throughout, the second edition includes compelling new case studies, such as the impact of social and cultural capital in the cases of george w. According to this ideology, you get out of the system what you put into it. The warrior woman, feminism, and cinema in the digital age. Miller, professors of sociology at the university of north carolinawilmington, challenge the meritocracy myth, or the ideology that proclaims where you end up in the socioeconomic hierarchy is a direct function of your own effort and abilities. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.
The meritocracy myth challenges the widely held american belief in meritocracyocothat people get. Reprinted from chapter 3 in the meritocracy myth by stephen j. He wrote previous editions of the meritocracy myth with robert k. Robert k miller the meritocracy myth challenges the widely held american belief in meritocracthat people get out of the system what they put into it based on individual merit. Wimberley, north carolina state university the meritocracy myth exposes the deceptive american rhetoric that hard work, talent and virtue are all that is necessary to. May 03, 2004 the meritocracy myth is a myth not because people of merit dont exist. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read the meritocracy myth. The meritocracy myth examines talent, attitude, work ethic, and character as elements of merit, and evaluates the effect of nonmerit factors such as social status, race, heritage, and wealth on meritocracy. Mcnamee challenges anyone who has an opinion on inequality, jarring the contented, encouraging the discouraged, and inspiring the activists. Stephen mcnamee s important book, the meritocracy myth, gives students and citizens alike a much deeper and more complete understanding of why some people succeed and some people fail. Race and the ideology of individualism nygaard notes. Please use this display as a guideline and modify as needed.