Meritocracy : Merit
Meritocracy is a system of government based on rule by ability rather than by wealth or social position. Ironically, the term was first used in a pejorative sense in Michael Young's[?] 1958 book, the Rise of the Meritocracy which was written from a standpoint of an future in which one's social place was determined by IQ plus effort. In the book, this social system ultimately leads to social revolution which as the masses overthrows the elite, who have become arrogant and disconnected with the feelings of the public.Despite the negative origin of the word, there are many who believe that a meritocratic system is a good thing for society. Proponents of meritocracy argue that a meritocratic system is more just and more productive than other systems, and allows for the end to distinctions based on social class or race.
There have been other criticisms of the notion of meritocracy in addition to Young's original criticism that system in which social position was determined by objective characteristics would still be unegalitarian and unstable. One which is often made by proponents of critical theory concept argue that merit is defined by the power elite simply to legitimize a system in which social status is actually determined by class, birth, and wealth.
Most governmental systems contain some element of meritocracy. For instance, in most representative democracies, parties and voters use the performance of candidates in campaigning or in office to determine who should be re-elected and what senior positions they may hold. Elected officers usually also hire expert advisers to help formulate policies. Theoretically, communist systems of government will promote those who are competent in minor decision-making roles to higher office. However, pure meritocracies are virtually unknown.
See: aristocracy
watched the dear Smiling Pool dimpling and smiling in the moonlight,
bulrushes. "One never knows how great their blessings are until they
their feet were once more in the cool water. Paddy the Beaver seemed
he saw.html">saw how happy these new friends of his were.
"It surely is a very nice.html">nice place here, and I don't wonder that you
that trouble and worry, but you see.html">see.html">see I didn't know.html">know."
"Oh, that's all right," replied Jerry Muskrat, who was now very
you will stay and make your home here."
Paddy the Beaver looked back at the great black shadow which he knew
hunting-call of Hooty the Owl. Then he looked out over the Green
of Reddy Fox, and it was answered by the deep voice.html">voice of Bowser the
made Paddy the Beaver shiver a little, just as the voice of Hooty
Meadows shiver when they heard it. Paddy wasn't afraid of Hooty or
the very sound of it made him afraid. You see, the Green Meadows
dearly loves the deepest part of the Green Forest.
"No," said Paddy the Beaver, "I can't possibly live here in the
me, Cousin Jerry. I wouldn't feel safe here a minute. Besides,
lily-roots and the nicest fresh-water clams and --"
"But there are no trees," said Paddy the Beaver, "and you know I
trees?" he asked finally.
Paddy laughed. "Just the bark," said he, "and I have to have a great
then," said he, "and -- and I had thought that we would have such
have about made up my mind that I will stay a while along the
there. On our way down I saw a very nice hole in the bank that I
there to see me. But if I do stay, you and Grandfather Frog and
.
On
wordlookup.net
All is still licensed under the GNU FDL.
It uses material from the wikipedia.
|
|