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Background |
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About Multiracialism |
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The 'Why' |
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The 'Now' |
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The 'How' |
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Miscellaneous |
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The 'Now' |
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| Meritocracy | ||||
| Definition Meritocracy is a system in which responsibilities are given based on one’s ability, talents and merits rather than by wealth or family status. Meritocracy can be compared with social Darwinism. Social Darwinism is a term coined in the late 1800s to help describe the ideology that human beings, like any other living thing on earth, constantly compete in a struggle for survival in which a process known as natural selection results in the survival of the fittest. In this particular case, natural selection would likely refer to a an important position in society or a personal responsibility, and that only the people with the best attributes would be tasked with such responsibilities and posts. One good example of a meritocratic society is Singapore. The system of meritocracy is often mentioned in our National Education conducted in our own schools. “We must uphold meritocracy and incorruptibility.” This message usually appears behind a Singaporean’s school exercise book. This means there is opportunity for all, according to their ability and effort. Multiracialism as well as meritocracy is the two founding principles of the Government and education plays a major part in upholding and spreading these crucial and essential principles and promoting a strong bond between the people. Singapore government system is based purely on meritocracy. They placed great emphasis on the merits and abilities of people before selecting them to be a capable leader of the country. In Singapore, meritocracy has been the main resource for justifying authoritarian government and its pro-capitalist orientations. Through competitive scholarships, stringent selection criteria for party candidacy, the ruling People’s Action Party has been able to co-opt talent to form a “technocratic” government for an administrative state. Among many nations, Singapore is the closest to being a meritocratic society as academic credential plays a large role in our society. Education in Singapore also works largely on the basis of meritocracy. Today, our education system aims to nurture a child holistically. With a system of meritocracy, everyone in Singapore, despite rich or poor, have equal opportunities to learn and achieve good academic performance. With the fact that our four main races work together and learn together, this has helped contribute in building a multiracial yet cohesive society out of the immense diversity in Singapore, and fueled economic development. There are many benefits of meritocracy. Meritocracy recognizes and rewards everyone, regardless of race or religion, who puts in utmost effort and excels in whatever field that they are working on. It brings about the multiracial integration in a society as all races inter-relate and hence progress in any field base on one’s achievement and merit through one’s own effort. Benefits of meritocracy (in terms of Singapore) One of the most significant benefits would be that meritocracy fairness, which would then lead to harmony between races. Meritocracy brings out the best in everyone. This would ensure that everyone in the community strives hard and contribute to the society. People would not be judged by their races, instead they will be judged according to their merits and achievement. This would allow anyone, from any race, to have a chance to contribute to the society in a positive way. Hence, creating a more “well rounded” society. Ancient China In ancient china, meritocracy was introduced when the imperial exams was brought in. Government officials were selected through the result of the exams. If one passes, he would be a government official who would bring glory and honor to one’s family. These imperial exams started in 165 BCE, when candidates were all called to the Chinese capital for the examinations of their moral excellence. Confucianism was highly supportive of meritocracy in China. Confucius encouraged the kings and queens to pass down the crown to a highly qualified person instead of their eldest son as he may not be suited for the job. Because of this, china grew greatly economically and socially. The need for capable and qualified government arose. In addition to Confucius, a famous Chinese philosopher Han Fei Zi was one of the strongest supporters of the School of Law (also commonly known as the philosophy of Legalism). This subsequently led to the abolishment of nepotism, aristocracy and other biased forms of social recognition; and instead opting for the promotion of individuals based on skill, intelligence, and effort. Legalism, together with its meritocratic ideals would be part of Chinese culture for the next two millenniums following that, till the Qin dynasty. Conclusion Meritocracy was and still is important in maintaining a racially harmonious and integrated society till today. Through meritocracy, there is one less barrier to racial integration in our society. |
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