Book contents
- In the Know
- In the Know
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Acknowledgments
- Preface
- Introduction
- Section 1 The Nature of Intelligence
- Section 2 Measuring Intelligence
- Section 3 Influences on Intelligence
- Section 4 Intelligence and Education
- Section 5 Life Consequences of Intelligence
- 22 IQ Scores Only Measure How Good Someone Is at Taking Tests
- 23 Intelligence Is Not Important in the Workplace
- 24 Intelligence Tests Are Designed to Create or Perpetuate a False Meritocracy
- 25 Very High Intelligence Is Not More Beneficial than Moderately High Intelligence
- 26 Emotional Intelligence Is a Real Ability that Is Helpful in Life
- Section 6 Demographic Group Differences
- Section 7 Societal and Ethical Issues
- References
- Index
24 - Intelligence Tests Are Designed to Create or Perpetuate a False Meritocracy
from Section 5 - Life Consequences of Intelligence
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 October 2020
- In the Know
- In the Know
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Acknowledgments
- Preface
- Introduction
- Section 1 The Nature of Intelligence
- Section 2 Measuring Intelligence
- Section 3 Influences on Intelligence
- Section 4 Intelligence and Education
- Section 5 Life Consequences of Intelligence
- 22 IQ Scores Only Measure How Good Someone Is at Taking Tests
- 23 Intelligence Is Not Important in the Workplace
- 24 Intelligence Tests Are Designed to Create or Perpetuate a False Meritocracy
- 25 Very High Intelligence Is Not More Beneficial than Moderately High Intelligence
- 26 Emotional Intelligence Is a Real Ability that Is Helpful in Life
- Section 6 Demographic Group Differences
- Section 7 Societal and Ethical Issues
- References
- Index
Summary
It is relatively uncontroversial to believe that jobs, educational opportunities, and financial rewards should go to people who have earned these benefits. Especially in the United States, where a distrust for inherited privilege and aristocracy is woven into the country’s founding and culture, there is a distinctly negative reaction to an undeserving person who seems to have obtained their wealth or power through unfair methods. A system where prestige, opportunity, or rewards are bestowed on the basis of earned excellence is called a meritocracy. If functioning well, a meritocracy provides opportunities for worthy non-elites and helps society run more efficiently because rewards and incentives are not wasted on undeserving people.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- In the KnowDebunking 35 Myths about Human Intelligence, pp. 215 - 222Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2020