UChicago Stone Center | The Meritocracy Trap by Daniel Markovits

00:00 Introduction by Damon Jones
02:30 Remarks by moderator Ethan Bueno De Mesquita
06:40 Remarks by Daniel Markovits
28:00 Remarks by Steven Durlauf
51:25 Panel Discussion
1:25:30 Q&A
In his book The Meritocracy Trap, Yale Law Professor Daniel Markovits critiques American meritocracy. He argues that the belief that advantage is earned through ability and hard work is a false promise. In fact, meritocracy excludes most of society from meaningful access to advantages, not by fault but design. Our system structurally limits opportunities to a privileged few who can afford elite training.
At the same time, meritocracy ensnares elites into a relentless pursuit of wealth, often at the expense of their well-being. This relentless pursuit can lead to stress, burnout, and a lack of personal fulfillment, highlighting an unexpected toll even on meritocracy's greatest benefactors.
Markovits claims that meritocracy distorts societal values by prioritizing superiority over excellence. This fosters a culture of winners and losers, where elites believe in their self-made success, and the excluded are blamed for their shortcomings. The wealthy become entitled and unsympathetic, while the rest of society becomes resentful and ashamed, creating a toxic cultural divide.
Stone Center Director Steven Durlauf sits with Daniel Markovits to discuss their different perspectives on meritocracy and its impact on inequality. This event offers the full spectrum of a complex issue and encourages you to reflect on the nature of opportunity, competition, and success in a democracy. Ethan Bueno De Mesquita, Dean of the Harris School, moderates the discussion.
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