The Brian Lehrer Show 100 Years of 100 Things: US Meritocracy
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Dec 4, 2024 
David Brooks, a contributing writer at The Atlantic and author of How to Know a Person, dives into the history and future of meritocracy in the U.S. He discusses how recent Supreme Court rulings are reshaping university admissions and explores the flaws in standardized testing. Brooks critiques the overemphasis on IQ and lineage in elite schools, advocating for recognition of emotional intelligence and non-cognitive skills. With insights into personal growth and transformative education, he calls for a more inclusive understanding of success in today's society.
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Meritocracy's Reach
- Conant's meritocracy, based on IQ and GPA, wasn't limited to Ivy League schools, impacting all education levels.
- Early standardized testing labels children "smart" or "not smart," creating a status hierarchy and affecting their opportunities.
Conant's Dilemma
- Conant faced resistance implementing meritocracy because Harvard relied on wealthy legacy families for funding.
- He needed their financial support despite wanting to end their dominance.
Knowledge Economy and Caste System
- The shift to a knowledge economy elevated knowledge workers' status while diminishing those skilled in manual labor.
- This created a caste system where children of the rich have significant advantages.
