Meritocracy Myth - 5th Edition by Stephen J McNamee (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A compelling and balanced introduction to the question of who gets ahead and why

Review Quotes

I don't think there is a competitor that accomplishes what this book does-summarize the sociology of inequality in a clear, interesting, and succinct-yet-thorough fashion. The Meritocracy Myth provides a coherent perspective on the world. Many textbooks are a long mishmash of theories and facts; this one has a compelling message and point of view.

McNamee provides an informative and accessible introduction to the meaning and experiences of US inequality and its multiple forms. In presenting challenges to the very idea of meritocracy and the American dream he makes clear the systemic roots of inequality in the country wrought with privilege and unequal opportunity structures affecting mobility. Given the increasingly widening inequality gap in the United States and around the world, McNamee's contributions are as important now more than ever.

Stephen McNamee's book, The Meritocracy Myth: Who Gets Ahead and Why, Fifth Edition is an update of a sociology classic. McNamee's primary argument is that the meritocracy myth does not fully explain the success or failure of individuals in U.S. society. He challenges this ideology of unlimited opportunity by illustrating the many non-merit factors at play that create barriers to individual social mobility, but, at the same time, also have consolidated the wealth, power, and privilege of the few. In so doing, McNamee shifts our understanding of inequality from the individual level to address inequities in the social structure. This volume is an excellent text for introductory to advanced sociology courses, or for anyone wanting to better understand U.S. culture and social inequality. McNamee's writing is accessible, and he takes time to define critical terms. I also find the book teaching friendly in that there are vignettes in each section that help to illustrate the concepts and discussion questions at the end of the chapter.

The Meritocracy Myth allows me to explain how categories of difference are constructed, how they are translated into inequalities, and how inequalities are maintained as mechanisms of oppression, privilege, exploitation, and exclusion. It is engaging, rendering complex theories and concepts digestible.

The Meritocracy Myth is a must-read for everyone who dreams of a more equitable society. There's no book more valuable for debunking our national delusions of self-made success; there's no other resource that unpacks unfair inequalities in the US as comprehensively and three-dimensionally. Earlier editions inspired my students to think logically and ethically. I'm confident that the fifth edition, with its chapter-opening anecdotes and chapter-closing discussion questions, will encourage even deeper reflection.

The Meritocracy Myth is a tried-and-true textbook. Students appreciate its engaging writing style and clear explanation of sociological concepts. The revised edition incorporates relevant evidence from a wide range of literature on inequality and mobility.

The Meritocracy Myth is detailed, comprehensive, and relevant. Like social life, it is complex.McNamee's writing style is very accessible, well written, and engaging for university students. The book's arguments are very well organized and developed and revealing of the effects of inequalities of opportunity on inequalities of social rewards.

The Meritocracy Myth is very student friendly and engages students with real-life and relevant examples. McNamee's writing style, which is always accessible and straightforward, is effective in exploring a fundamental concept in sociology -- the myth of the US as a merit-based system. This book captures students' attention and gives them confidence to want to learn more. The Meritocracy Myth should be read by all sociology students, and I can't wait to share this with my own students and colleagues!

We are bombarded with the message that if you work hard you will succeed. The Meritocracy Myth deftly unpacks this message, helping readers understand the processes at work that challenge this thinking, while conveying key sociological concepts for students. This is a powerful book that deepens our understanding of the ways in which the playing field is not even, how this is underscored in every facet of daily life, and how non-merit factors have a significant bearing on life chances. This is an excellent resource for any undergraduate or graduate course that seeks to understand social processes at work.

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