Schools perpetuate the meritocratic myth and legitimize it by giving and denying educational credentials on the basis of objective mechanisms that sift and sort on merit.

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Schools are often viewed as institutions that reward merit and provide opportunities for upward mobility based on individual effort and abilities. By using objective mechanisms such as grades, standardized tests, and diplomas, schools create the illusion that success is solely determined by merit and hard work. This perpetuates the meritocratic myth, which maintains that social status and opportunities are based on individual abilities and achievements rather than other factors such as social class or family background. Therefore, schools legitimize the meritocratic myth by providing educational credentials based on merit.

Schools Perpetuate the Meritocratic Myth and Legitimize It by Giving