Sociologising Merit (original) (raw)

2007, Economic and Political Weekly

AI-generated Abstract

The paper critically examines the concept of merit in the context of Indian society, exploring its role as both a legitimizing discourse within a stratified social structure and as a cultural narrative tied to individualism and consumerism. It argues that merit is constructed against a backdrop of unequal opportunities, challenging the traditional view of inherent abilities and emphasizing the cultural and environmental influences on human capabilities. The analysis suggests that the belief in fixed abilities perpetuates social inequalities, advocating for a re-evaluation of how merit is perceived and its implications for social mobility.

Sign up for access to the world's latest research.

checkGet notified about relevant papers

checkSave papers to use in your research

checkJoin the discussion with peers

checkTrack your impact