Meritocracy - GCSE Sociology Definition

Meritocracy is a social system or ideology that asserts power and advancement should be based on individual merit, typically measured by talent, effort, and achievement, rather than factors like class, wealth, or social connections.

In the context of a GCSE Sociology course, meritocracy suggests that students succeed in education and later in life according to their abilities and hard work. It is based on the idea that everyone has equal opportunities to achieve and be rewarded, making it a significant concept in discussions about social mobility and equality.

Critics, however, argue that structural inequalities can undermine true meritocracy by affecting accessibility to opportunities and resources necessary for success.