The Meritocracy Myth - Hardcover

McNamee, Stephen J.; Miller Jr., Robert K.

4

135 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1442219815 ISBN 13: 9781442219816

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield, 2013

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This book challenges the widely held American belief in meritocracy-that people get out of the system what they put into it based on individual merit. Examining talent, attitude, work ethic, and character as elements of merit, the book also evaluates the effect of non-merit factors such as social status, race, heritage, and wealth on meritocracy. The third edition features a new section on "The Great Recession."

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Review:

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. 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. For sociology students, reading The Meritocracy Myth is a great application of important sociological concepts and theories to explain how all of our lives are influenced by socio-economic class arrangements. The third edition is as relevant as ever in highlighting the importance of cultural myths that justify the exceedingly inequitable distribution of wealth in our modern society.--Beth Davison, Appalachian State University

In the land of opportunity, hard work and playing by the rules pays off and merit is rewarded by success.The wide-awake sociology of McNamee and Miller shines the bright light of reality on the myth to show that birth counts more and education less, and while luck is important, no one can count on it and those who play by the rules often benefit least.--Paul Durrenberger, emeritus professor of anthropology, Pennsylvania State University

The Meritocracy Myth deconstructs the discourse around the American Dream in a manner that is accessible by, and doesn't talk down to, the typical undergrad. Exceptionally well-written.--Judi Kessler, Monmouth College

Every sociology student should read this clear and compelling book, and their instructors should too! The Meritocracy Myth reminds many of us why we became interested in sociology in the first place. And I suspect that many sociology students will soon find the same.--Ronald C. Wimberley, North Carolina State University

About the Author:

Stephen J. McNamee is interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of sociology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He is the recipient of the University of North Carolina Wilmington Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award, The University of North Carolina Wilmington Distinguished Teaching Professorship Award, and the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors Teaching Award. Robert K. Miller, Jr. (1948-2015) was professor emeritus of sociology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He published widely on the topic of social and economic inequality and was coeditor with Stephen J. McNamee of Inheritance and Wealth in America.

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