Society & Culture / Social Issues / Class & Social Mobility

Meritocracy Is a Lie: How Talent + Effort = More Inequality

Against Meritocracy: Culture, Power, and Myths of Mobility

Jo Littler

Is the dream of meritocracy actually making society more unequal? In this deep dive into Jo Littler's groundbreaking book *Against Meritocracy: Culture, Power, and Myths of Mobility*, we expose the hidden truth behind the 'talent plus effort equals success' formula. Littler argues that meritocracy has been hijacked by the neoliberal elite to justify plutocracy—a system where the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor. We'll break down the five fatal flaws of meritocratic thinking, from its reliance on hierarchy to its blind spot for privilege. Discover how the 'ladder of opportunity' is actually a trap that weakens community and structural change. This isn't just a book summary; it's a reality check for anyone who's ever felt the system was rigged. Watch to understand why meritocracy is the most dangerous myth of our time—and what we can do about it.