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Meritocracy and elitism in Singapore

Sharon See
Published Fri, Apr 7, 2023 · 02:00 PM

ONCE a vaunted principle and source of pride in Singapore, meritocracy faces growing ambivalence at home and abroad.

Recent books and studies have exposed the hidden ills of a system that purportedly confers equal opportunities and rewards the most meritorious. Critics say that meritocracy benefits those who start with more resources and lets them “game the system”, thus exacerbating inequality.

In Singapore, politicians have repeatedly said that while the principle behind meritocracy is sound, it can be improved to be more “open and compassionate”.

But if meritocracy necessarily results in unequal outcomes, the question is: Can we rely on such a system to deliver good outcomes for everyone?

Origins and change

The word “meritocracy” was coined in 1958 by author and politician Michael Young, in his political satire The Rise of the Meritocracy. The fictional essay, set in 2033, described how the rise of merit-based elites led to a different form of social stratification, rising inequality and disenfranchisement of the po…

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