The word meritocracy was coined by the sociologist Michael Young in the 1950s. In the intervening years it has taken on a life of its own and has become an enduring part of social and cultural debates over such diverse issues as equality, privilege, luck, and achievement. What is the relationship between these issues and, for example, admission to college? We will read Michael Young’s The Rise of the Meritocracy along with both support for and criticism of the idea of merit. How is it measured? What is its relation to social status? Are there alternative systems to meritocracy?

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 25

Crosslisted Courses: AMST 106

Prerequisites: None.

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered; Spring