Meritocracy, the societal ideal where advancement is determined solely by individual talent and effort rather than privilege, remains a compelling aspiration in modern discourse. Proponents argue that such a system promises unparalleled justice, allowing the most capable minds to guide national progress irrespective of their lineage or wealth. However, critics rightly point out that access to 'merit' itself is often unequally distributed. Socioeconomic background profoundly shapes educational opportunities and networking capabilities, meaning that initial advantages frequently compound over time, creating self-perpetuating hierarchies. Therefore, while the *principle* of meritocracy is desirable for an equitable society, its *practical realization* requires systemic interventions—such as radical overhaul in early education funding and dismantling inherited institutional biases—to prevent it from merely becoming a sophisticated justification for existing inequalities.

According to the passage, what is the author's primary argument regarding meritocracy?

Question

Meritocracy, the societal ideal where advancement is determined solely by individual talent and effort rather than privilege, remains a compelling aspiration in modern discourse. Proponents argue that such a system promises unparalleled justice, allowing the most capable minds to guide national progress irrespective of their lineage or wealth. However, critics rightly point out that access to 'merit' itself is often unequally distributed. Socioeconomic background profoundly shapes educational opportunities and networking capabilities, meaning that initial advantages frequently compound over time, creating self-perpetuating hierarchies. Therefore, while the *principle* of meritocracy is desirable for an equitable society, its *practical realization* requires systemic interventions—such as radical overhaul in early education funding and dismantling inherited institutional biases—to prevent it from merely becoming a sophisticated justification for existing inequalities.

According to the passage, what is the author's primary argument regarding meritocracy?

Accepted Answer

While the concept of meritocracy is aspirational, its actual success hinges critically upon correcting underlying systemic biases.. A is incorrect because the passage suggests structural barriers prevent pure individual determination from succeeding. B is incorrect because the author argues for reform, not outright abandonment of the ideal. C is correct because it captures the nuance: aspiration (desirable) vs. practical reality (needs systemic fixes). D is incorrect because the passage focuses on systemic/economic biases, not inherent lack of motivation.