Review: Jo Littler, Against Meritocracy: Culture, Power, and Myths of Mobility. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reay, Diane
• Is Part Of: Theory, culture & society. Volume 35:Number 7/8(2018)
• Page Start: 325
• Page End: 330
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: ethnicity -- gender -- meritocracy -- neoliberalism -- social mobility; Social sciences -- Periodicals; 301.05
• DOI: 10.1177/0263276418799866
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-2764

Abstract

Against Meritocracy is a meticulous and much needed critique of meritocracy tracing the genealogies of the concept before presenting case studies that demonstrate its continuing ideological power. This review looks at Littler's analysis within the context of wider understandings of meritocracy and social mobility. It concludes that Littler's compelling argument of the damage, both ideological and material, caused by the workings of meritocracy needs to be heeded.