The Rise of the Meritocracy

Written in 1958, 'The Rise of the Meritocracy' is a satirical work that projects a future society in 2034 where the concept of meritocracy has led to a rigidly stratified society.

The book argues that the formula 'IQ + effort = merit' has become the basis for social hierarchy, resulting in a significant gulf between the highly intelligent upper classes and the less intelligent lower classes.

Young critiques the idea of meritocracy, highlighting its potential to create a society where the upper classes lack empathy for the lower classes and where social mobility is severely limited.

The work is notable for its insightful and often humorous critique of the potential consequences of a meritocratic system.