Meritocracy

Within the educational system and the larger United States society, there is a debate over whether
this country is a Meritocracy.
DEFINITION
According to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (4th Edition), a
Meritocracy is, on the individual level, a [social] system in which advancement is based on
individual ability or achievement alone, and on the governmental level, a group of leaders or
officeholders selected on the basis of individual ability or achievement, and not due to their wealth
or birth status.
Basically, then, in a Meritocracy, individuals advance or fail based solely on their motivation, work
ethic, intellect, and abilities. This is not impacted or influenced by their social position in terms of
the social identities of race, socioeconomic class, sex, gender, ethnicity, religion, linguistic
background, sexual identity, physical or mental disability, or their physical appearance.
You will write a paper on where you stand and why on the following question:
Is the United States a Meritocracy?
Also, what relevance does this topic have for this course and education in general in the United
States?
This is a research paper in the largest sense of the word. You are not simply to present your opinions or personal experiences, but rather, you must back up your points of view using reputable references. You must place references in APA style.
Each student will write a paper, minimum 5 pages not counting cover page and references.

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