Meritocracy it means that every individual is able to prosper only with his or her abilities without needing the help of society, state or family.
It is a system that privileges the individual's qualities, such as intelligence and work capacity, and not his family origin or personal relationships.
The concept of meritocracy, however, can only be valid when all individuals in a society have exactly the same social, economic and psychological conditions.
What is?
After the French Revolution, with the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, the new leader of France decreed that the origin of birth would no longer count for entry into public careers.
From that moment on, no distinction would be made whether the person came from a noble or bourgeois family. Everyone should ascend socially through self-effort.
This was an idea that perpetuated in the 19th century, especially in Anglo-Saxon countries, and found great acceptance in the United States. After all, in these countries the Protestant conception, especially Calvinist, prevails, that economic prosperity is a sign of divine blessing.
In the United States, the idea of the self-made man, the man who makes himself, only with his own effort.
The idea of meritocracy would inspire public policies that ensured that all citizens had the same opportunities. The most successful of these was that of the Welfare State.
Meaning
The word “meritocracy” was coined by the English writer, sociologist and politician Michael Young (1915-2002) when he released his book “The Rise of Meritocracy”.
In the novel, Young creates a futuristic society where all people would be evaluated only on their merits.
However, instead of favoring the weakest, meritocracy ends up increasing the gap between the elite and the population.
Michael Young used the Latin word “mereo” (to be worthy, to be deserving) and the Greek suffix “kratos” (power, strength) to form this new word.
Meritocracy in Brazil
The definition of meritocracy in Brazil gained strength in the first two decades of the 21st century. The opposition used this concept to criticize the Lula government and the Dilma government.
However, meritocracy, to be valid, must provide the whole society with the same opportunities. Brazil, a country full of social differences, is far from offering equal chances for all citizens.
Even so, through the stories of people who overcame the difficulties to study, part of the media he began to publicize that it was possible to break the circle of misery only through one's own effort.
Comics about meritocracy
Australian illustrator Toby Morris criticized the conception of meritocracy in today's society through an interesting comic book called "De Tray". You can download it by clicking on here.
