Meritocracy and its Downsides. Unravelling the Detrimental Effects of Embracing Meritocratic Beliefs

Seminar paper from the year 2023 in the subject Psychology - Social Psychology, grade: 1,7, University of Cologne, course: Theoretical Foundations of Social and Economic Psychology, language: English, abstract: This paper explores the pervasive societal belief in meritocracy as an antidote to social inequalities, widely endorsed by politicians and Americans alike. While meritocracy promises individual agency and upward mobility, this study delves into its latent psychological pitfalls. Examining consequences such as diminished empathy, low self-esteem, and self-blame, we unravel the paradoxical impact of meritocratic ideals. This analysis sheds light on the nuanced drawbacks of embracing meritocracy, prompting a reevaluation of its implications for both individuals and broader societal well-being.