Sociology meritocracy

SOCIOLOGY Name: Course: Professor Name: (October 3, 2012) Sociology What is meritocracy? Meritocracy is a system of administration where responsibilities are given to individuals based on their credentials, competency intelligence and knowledge (Macionis, 2008). Why do caste systems have little of it? Caste systems have less of meritocracy since they do not base their appointments on merit or credentials. Indeed, the caste system is very discriminate on individuals as many will be chosen to head certain responsibilities based on lineage, clan, ethnicity, tribe or relationship to the appointee (Macionis, 2008). The caste system does not allow social mobility and sometimes one can never hold certain responsibilities due to their social status. Why do class systems have more? Class system has more of meritocracy as it is based on birth and achievements made by the individual. This system is not rigid and despite the presence of social stratification there is social mobility based on the individual’s ability (Macionis, 2008). Also the categories of society are not defined rigidly as in the caste system and depending on the effort an individual has he can be promoted from one level to another. Illustrate how clas...