Myth of meritocracy

Bowles and Gintis’s argument that the belief that everyone succeeds through ability and effort disguises unequal opportunities and makes class inequality appear deserved.

Bowles and Gintis’s argument that the claim that success depends on ability and effort disguises the importance of class background.

Their phrase myth of meritocracy describes how an apparently fair system can conceal unequal opportunities. If success is presented as entirely deserved, privileged people’s advantages appear justified, while those who do less well may be blamed for lacking ability or effort. Class inequality is then easier to accept rather than challenge.

Present the myth of meritocracy as Bowles and Gintis’s argument, not as an undisputed fact. Contrast it with the functionalist view.

Bowles and Gintis’s argument that the belief that everyone has an equal chance of success disguises the influence of social class on achievement and rewards.

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AQA GCSE Sociology · 8192

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Eduqas GCSE Sociology · C200