Meritocracy and the paradox of success
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Take meritocracy. It recognises talent and ability over wealth and circumstance of birth, and motivates society and people to work hard. But as families do well, they spare no effort in investing in the abilities of their children, especially when they believe in meritocracy. As a result, children from different family backgrounds are pushing off blocks from different starting lines. So meritocracy, arising from a belief in fairness, seems to have paradoxically resulted in systemic unfairness.
So we need to double down on meritocracy, move away from a narrow focus on past academic merit, to recognise and celebrate a broader range of skills, talents and strengths. It should translate into tangible changes in the way we hire people, admit students to tertiary institutions, grant awards and scholarships, and accord respect to fellow Singaporeans
As for reducing achievement inequality, a tempting solution is to chop down the tall poppies to equalise outcomes. This goes against the nature and instinct of Singaporeans, who always strive to do our best. So let's not cap the top, but do even better in lifting the disadvantaged.
(Note that this goes against the grain of meritocracy, as you are effectively punishing one for being talented!)
One way is to foster a better mix of students in every school. For example, from next year's Secondary 1 posting exercise, MOE will reserve 20 per cent of school places for students without affiliation to the secondary school.
(Note this policy on secondary school admission; currently, there is also a similar one for primary school admission, where 40 places are reserved for children from families not affiliated to the primary school.....these measures help to prevent elite schools from becoming close circles where there is little or no social mixing among students from different social economic status)
In addition, we are investing heavily in pre-school education, with one-third of MOE Kindergarten places reserved for students from lower income families.
Take meritocracy. It recognises talent and ability over wealth and circumstance of birth, and motivates society and people to work hard. But as families do well, they spare no effort in investing in the abilities of their children, especially when they believe in meritocracy. As a result, children from different family backgrounds are pushing off blocks from different starting lines. So meritocracy, arising from a belief in fairness, seems to have paradoxically resulted in systemic unfairness.
So we need to double down on meritocracy, move away from a narrow focus on past academic merit, to recognise and celebrate a broader range of skills, talents and strengths. It should translate into tangible changes in the way we hire people, admit students to tertiary institutions, grant awards and scholarships, and accord respect to fellow Singaporeans
As for reducing achievement inequality, a tempting solution is to chop down the tall poppies to equalise outcomes. This goes against the nature and instinct of Singaporeans, who always strive to do our best. So let's not cap the top, but do even better in lifting the disadvantaged.
(Note that this goes against the grain of meritocracy, as you are effectively punishing one for being talented!)
One way is to foster a better mix of students in every school. For example, from next year's Secondary 1 posting exercise, MOE will reserve 20 per cent of school places for students without affiliation to the secondary school.
(Note this policy on secondary school admission; currently, there is also a similar one for primary school admission, where 40 places are reserved for children from families not affiliated to the primary school.....these measures help to prevent elite schools from becoming close circles where there is little or no social mixing among students from different social economic status)
In addition, we are investing heavily in pre-school education, with one-third of MOE Kindergarten places reserved for students from lower income families.
posted by Dark Shadow | 12:57 PM
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