Meritocracy and Its Discontents: Exploring Alternatives for a More Equitable Political System
Keywords:
Meritocracy, Political Systems, Equity, Social Justice, Distributed Governance, Merit in IslamAbstract
The attractive concept of meritocracy, which rewards individuals based on their talent and effort, is a fundamental aspect of numerous political structures. Nevertheless, there is a growing dissatisfaction being voiced, doubting its capability to provide genuine fairness. This article thoroughly investigates meritocracy, looking at its different aspects, possible advantages, and inherent constraints. We explore the problems of meritocracy, focusing on unequal starting lines and the limitations of narrowly defining merit. Actual challenges are shown through real-life examples in various political systems such as the US military and Singapore. Going beyond a single definition, the article investigates how broadening the idea of "merit" and accepting different models such as distributed governance and universal basic income can result in a fairer society. Finally, we explore the distinctive Islamic viewpoint on merit, highlighting belief and striving together for a greater good, which offers a vital perspective for reaching a more equitable future.
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