meritocratic
Meaning: Relating to or characteristic of a meritocracy — a system in which advancement, power, and rewards are distributed based on individual ability, effort, and achievement rather than on wealth, social connections, or inherited status.
The concept of meritocracy is deeply embedded in British political rhetoric — the idea that anyone can succeed through hard work and talent. However, social scientists frequently challenge whether Britain is truly meritocratic, pointing to the persistent advantages of wealth, connections, and private education. The word 'meritocracy' was coined as a satire by Michael Young in 1958, warning against a society that justified inequality by blaming the unsuccessful for their own failures.
Examples
- The university claims to operate a meritocratic admissions process, but critics point to the disproportionate number of private school applicants who receive offers. 该大学声称实行精英治理的录取程序,但批评者指出私立学校申请者获得录取通知的比例不成比例地高。La universidad afirma operar un proceso de admisión meritocrático, pero los críticos señalan el número desproporcionado de alumnos de colegios privados que reciben ofertas.その大学は実力主義的な入学選考を行っていると主張していますが、批判者たちは私立学校出身の志願者が不均衡に多くの合格通知を受けていると指摘しています。그 대학은 능력주의적 입학 전형을 시행하고 있다고 주장하지만, 비판자들은 사립학교 출신 지원자가 불균형하게 많은 합격 통지를 받고 있다고 지적합니다.
- A truly meritocratic society would ensure that every child has equal access to high-quality education regardless of their parents' income. 一个真正精英治理的社会应确保每个孩子不论父母收入如何都能平等获得高质量教育。Una sociedad verdaderamente meritocrática garantizaría que todos los niños tuvieran igual acceso a una educación de calidad, independientemente de los ingresos de sus padres.真に実力主義的な社会は、親の収入にかかわらず、すべての子どもに質の高い教育への平等なアクセスを保証するでしょう。진정한 능력주의 사회라면 부모의 소득에 관계없이 모든 아이에게 양질의 교육에 대한 평등한 접근을 보장할 것입니다.
- The belief that Britain is a meritocratic country is contradicted by research showing that social mobility has stalled. 认为英国是一个精英治理国家的信念被研究数据所反驳,研究显示社会流动性已经停滞。La creencia de que Gran Bretaña es un país meritocrático queda desmentida por los estudios que muestran que la movilidad social se ha estancado.英国が実力主義の国であるという信念は、社会的流動性が停滞していることを示す研究によって否定されています。영국이 능력주의 국가라는 믿음은 사회적 이동성이 정체되었음을 보여주는 연구에 의해 부정되고 있습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From merit (from Latin meritum, that which is deserved) and -cratic (from Greek kratia, rule or power). The noun 'meritocracy' was coined by British sociologist Michael Young in his 1958 satirical work 'The Rise of the Meritocracy.'
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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