Meritocracy, the ideal where advancement is solely based on individual talent and effort, remains a powerful guiding principle in modern governance. Proponents argue that removing inherited privilege ensures a level playing field, allowing true potential to flourish regardless of background. However, this notion often overlooks systemic hurdles; access to quality education, vital networking opportunities, and even basic resources are frequently unevenly distributed across socio-economic strata. Critics rightly point out that unaddressed biases—be they educational or cultural—can create invisible barriers that disproportionately impede the aspirations of certain groups. Therefore, while meritocracy serves as a necessary aspirational benchmark for societal aspiration, its actual realization demands more than just acknowledging individual worth; it requires proactive structural reforms to dismantle entrenched inequalities.

Based on the passage, what is the author's central argument regarding the achievability of meritocracy?

Question

Meritocracy, the ideal where advancement is solely based on individual talent and effort, remains a powerful guiding principle in modern governance. Proponents argue that removing inherited privilege ensures a level playing field, allowing true potential to flourish regardless of background. However, this notion often overlooks systemic hurdles; access to quality education, vital networking opportunities, and even basic resources are frequently unevenly distributed across socio-economic strata. Critics rightly point out that unaddressed biases—be they educational or cultural—can create invisible barriers that disproportionately impede the aspirations of certain groups. Therefore, while meritocracy serves as a necessary aspirational benchmark for societal aspiration, its actual realization demands more than just acknowledging individual worth; it requires proactive structural reforms to dismantle entrenched inequalities.

Based on the passage, what is the author's central argument regarding the achievability of meritocracy?

Accepted Answer

While desirable, achieving true meritocracy necessitates actively reforming underlying societal structures to counter existing inequalities.. A is incorrect because the passage suggests it requires reforms, not that it is inherently impossible. B is incorrect because the author argues that belief alone is insufficient for actualization. C is correct because the passage concludes that realization demands structural reform beyond mere aspiration. D is incorrect because the author explicitly counters this by pointing out systemic hurdles.