Meritocracy

Book chapter


Jackson-Cole, D. and Goldmeier, G. 2023. Meritocracy. in: Duarte, M., Losleben, K. and Fjørtoft, K. (ed.) Gender Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Academia London Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group. pp. 98-107
AuthorsJackson-Cole, D. and Goldmeier, G.
EditorsDuarte, M., Losleben, K. and Fjørtoft, K.
Abstract

In this chapter we discuss meritocracy in higher education and argue that despite its promise, the main meritocratic assumptions and practices do not lead to greater gender diversity, equity and inclusion. First, we define meritocracy, nuancing debates around the intersections of privilege, talent, effort and achievement. Then, with references to relevant theories and examples from practice, we argue that meritocracy privileges majoritarian groups. This happens because of meritocracy’s insistence on formal equality of opportunities, subjective requirements and meritocracy severing solidarity. We present alternatives to hegemonic meritocratic thinking that concentrate on advancing the common good.

Keywordsmeritocracy; gender equality; higher education
Page range98-107
Year2023
Book titleGender Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Academia
PublisherRoutledge, Taylor and Francis Group
Place of publicationLondon
ISBN9781003363590
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003363590
Web address (URL)https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/oa-edit/10.4324/9781003363590-11/meritocracy-dominik-jackson-cole-gabriel-goldmeier
FunderResearch Council of Norway
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File Access Level
Open
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online12 Apr 2023
Publication process dates
Deposited11 Oct 2024
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https://repository.derby.ac.uk/item/q9y31/meritocracy

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