Monday, November 05, 2007
meritocracy
haha just had these feelings after jas told me that 'meritocracy' was one of the pillars of sustained development in sg, as stated in her ss book. well yea, our sunny little island has always taken pride in a system of fairness - a system where it is not who you know, but what you know that matters. the idea is that everyone, rich or poor, would be able to aspire to achieve success in life through an education system based on meritocracy.
but clearly, the system can only bring meritocracy so far. for while there are numerous opportunities open for everyone, we must recognise that the playing field is still an incredibly uneven one. the rich - those who bother to study - are better placed to do well. they are able to concentrate on studies without worrying about their finances. those who need extra help, their parents get them tuition. those who cannot make it into local unis, their parents just send them overseas. those who wanna go on exchange, their parents foot the bill.
they would never have the need to work and study at the same time, something which many of my friends do. yus, koon teck, and zr are some examples of ppl working when others are able to devote their full attention to their studies. imagine what their grades would be like if they were studying full-time instead.
has this made-up system of meritocracy then made those who have climbed high believe that all the effort was theirs? the truth is that much of what one achieves is determined by his circumstances. some may take control of their circumstances and break out of them, and these are ppl to be applauded. for the rest who have achieved much, much must be attributed to a good start that has been given - some more so than others.
haha just had these feelings after jas told me that 'meritocracy' was one of the pillars of sustained development in sg, as stated in her ss book. well yea, our sunny little island has always taken pride in a system of fairness - a system where it is not who you know, but what you know that matters. the idea is that everyone, rich or poor, would be able to aspire to achieve success in life through an education system based on meritocracy.
but clearly, the system can only bring meritocracy so far. for while there are numerous opportunities open for everyone, we must recognise that the playing field is still an incredibly uneven one. the rich - those who bother to study - are better placed to do well. they are able to concentrate on studies without worrying about their finances. those who need extra help, their parents get them tuition. those who cannot make it into local unis, their parents just send them overseas. those who wanna go on exchange, their parents foot the bill.
they would never have the need to work and study at the same time, something which many of my friends do. yus, koon teck, and zr are some examples of ppl working when others are able to devote their full attention to their studies. imagine what their grades would be like if they were studying full-time instead.
has this made-up system of meritocracy then made those who have climbed high believe that all the effort was theirs? the truth is that much of what one achieves is determined by his circumstances. some may take control of their circumstances and break out of them, and these are ppl to be applauded. for the rest who have achieved much, much must be attributed to a good start that has been given - some more so than others.