The Idea of Meritocracy

Meritocracy is widely embraced, yet it remains a central subject of scholarly and policy debate. Understanding why requires tracing both its descriptive and normative dimensions across the historical evolution of the idea. Through conversation and inquiry, we will explore the meaning of meritocracy — its ethical justifications, criticisms of implementation, the degree to which various socioeconomic outcomes reflect its ideals, and whether policies designed to achieve its meritocratic aims actually deliver.

The event will feature Beatrice Cherrier, a historian of economics, whose research traces the development of meritocracy within economics, examining how economists have historically defined, measured, and institutionalized ideas of merit, excellence, and expertise.

She will be joined by Steven Durlauf, Director of the Stone Center, whose research develops methodological tools for sound decision-making under conditions of incomplete information, offering a vision of meritocracy that is explicitly prospective.

Finally, Jenny Trinitapoli, Professor of Sociology, will situate this ideal within sociological analyses of how institutions, social change, and collective understandings of knowledge and authority shape the production and evaluation of merit over time.

The group is complemented by moderator Gabriel Winant, Associate Professor of History, whose research explores labor, political economy, capitalism, and the welfare state, with a focus on changing forms of social class in modern societies.

Bringing together historical analysis and methodological innovation, this conversation seeks to deepen scholarly and policy debates over one of the most influential and contested ideals in modern public life. Join us to explore how merit, fairness, and opportunity are defined, measured, and contested in modern society.

Co-sponsored by the Stone Center for Research on Wealth Inequality and Mobility and the McKeon Center

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