Meritocracy

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.