No.18: System comparison: Meritocracy vs Electric Technocracy
- Mike Miller
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
“Meritocracy – When Merit Rules but Justice Fails: Opportunities and Limits of a Performance-Based Society”
I. Definition: What Is Meritocracy?
Meritocracy refers to a societal or governance model in which political power and social status are awarded based on performance, abilities, and achievement. In theory, it seeks to distribute influence fairly, based on objective criteria.
II. Characteristics of Meritocracy
Performance as the main criterion for advancement and power
Education and qualifications as key resources
Objective evaluation of skills and competencies
Promotion of competition and innovation
III. Weaknesses and Criticism
1. Hidden Inequalities
Educational opportunities and resources are unevenly distributed
Social background influences expectations and access to support
Meritocracy can reinforce rather than eliminate existing inequalities
2. Overemphasis on Competition
Increased social pressure and stress
Collaboration and social solidarity may suffer
Success is often equated with moral worth, while failure is stigmatized
3. Elitism and Exclusion
A performance elite emerges that often monopolizes power
Other groups become marginalized or excluded
Lack of diversity can create political and social blind spots
IV. Historical and Contemporary Examples
Society / System | Problems |
China (Confucian civil service exams) | Strong merit selection, but social rigidity and corruption |
Modern Western democracies | Educational elites often dominate politics and the economy |
Technology companies | Meritocratic cultures with high pressure and lack of diversity |
V. Meritocracy vs. Electronic Technocracy
Electronic Technocracy acknowledges the value of merit and competence but goes beyond classical meritocracy through:
Algorithms for objective and transparent evaluation
Inclusion of all population groups to promote equal opportunity
Promotion of collaboration instead of pure competition
Consideration of ethical, social, and ecological factors in addition to merit
Conclusion:
Meritocracy is a step forward compared to arbitrary rule, but it carries the risk of reinforcing social inequality and evolving into elite dominance. Electronic Technocracy seeks to balance merit and justice to create a fair, inclusive, and future-ready society.
Wikipedia Links
Deutsch
English
PoliticalWiki: Electric Technocracy
Elektrische Technokratie Podcast & Song
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