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meritocracy

mer-it-TOK-ruh-see /ˌmɛrɪˈtɒkrəsi/

nounB2GRESATCAT

politicalsociological

A social system, society, or organization in which people get success or power because of their abilities, not because of their money or social position.

While usually used positively today, the term was originally coined as a satire to describe a cold, heartless society.

The story behind the word. Coined by British sociologist Michael Young in 1958 in his book 'The Rise of the Meritocracy.' He actually meant it as a warning: a society where only 'merit' matters would be cruel to those who don't have the 'right' kind of talent.

Word relationships

fairness: Fairness is a general quality; meritocracy is a specific system of governance based on talent.

nepotism: Success based on family connections rather than ability.

Commonly confused with

aristocracy: Aristocracy is rule by birthright; meritocracy is rule by earned ability.

Word family

meritocratic (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of a meritocracy.

Collocations

pure meritocracy
educational meritocracy
myth of meritocracy

Example sentences

"The CEO claimed the company was a pure meritocracy where the best ideas always won." Corporate culture.
"Standardized testing was originally intended to create a meritocracy by identifying talent regardless of background." Educational theory.

Memory hook

Merit + Cracy. Merit (earned value) + Cracy (power). Power to those who earn it. Earned power.

When not to use

Don't use it to describe a system that claims to be fair but isn't; use it for the ideal of fairness based on talent.

Fun facts

Michael Young was reportedly disappointed that politicians started using 'meritocracy' as a positive goal rather than the dystopian warning he intended.