meritocracy - it ain't what it's cracked up to be
So you think your grandkid landed her job as a lawyer, investment banker, software engineer or doctor because of her brains, talent and winning personality? Think again. It’s almost certain that she is where she is because she has had advantages her whole life – from attending private or very good public schools, having access to educated parents and books at home, going to a good university without accumulating massive debts, and probably contacts.
We live in an age of “meritocracy”, supposedly with the best and brightest getting the biggest rewards. Meritocracy sounds great. It was supposed to be a social system where anyone with the right talent and motivation could succeed. It’s turned out very differently. Meritocracy has led to a small group in society, maybe the top 20%, getting all the rewards, and this being passed on from one generation to the next. Social mobility is the lowest it’s been for at least 70 years. In Canada it's as bad as anywhere.
Not only is meritocracy not working to create ladders for everyone; the idea itself is being questioned. Why should smart people get so much more than others? Sure, some additional rewards are appropriate, but should they get it so much?
In this course we will explore the idea of meritocracy and its impact on social mobility. Is it the right approach to determining rewards in society? Why is it not working to create a fairer society? What policies have contributed to this and what can be done to open up opportunities for everyone, not just those with all the advantages?
Moderator: John Simke
Date and Time: April 26 and May 3 (2 weeks) from 2-4 PM
Location: OISE, 252 Bloor Street West, Room TBD
Cost: $12
Maximum Class Size: 30
Booking: Book below. See Terms and Conditions. Please note, maximum of two spots per person. When the course is full, to go onto the waiting list, please send us an e-mail at [email protected]
We live in an age of “meritocracy”, supposedly with the best and brightest getting the biggest rewards. Meritocracy sounds great. It was supposed to be a social system where anyone with the right talent and motivation could succeed. It’s turned out very differently. Meritocracy has led to a small group in society, maybe the top 20%, getting all the rewards, and this being passed on from one generation to the next. Social mobility is the lowest it’s been for at least 70 years. In Canada it's as bad as anywhere.
Not only is meritocracy not working to create ladders for everyone; the idea itself is being questioned. Why should smart people get so much more than others? Sure, some additional rewards are appropriate, but should they get it so much?
In this course we will explore the idea of meritocracy and its impact on social mobility. Is it the right approach to determining rewards in society? Why is it not working to create a fairer society? What policies have contributed to this and what can be done to open up opportunities for everyone, not just those with all the advantages?
Moderator: John Simke
Date and Time: April 26 and May 3 (2 weeks) from 2-4 PM
Location: OISE, 252 Bloor Street West, Room TBD
Cost: $12
Maximum Class Size: 30
Booking: Book below. See Terms and Conditions. Please note, maximum of two spots per person. When the course is full, to go onto the waiting list, please send us an e-mail at [email protected]