Meritocracy generally refers to a system where your upbringing/family/etc. matters less than your innate talent, hard work and achievements. It does not mean a

Meritocracy generally refers to a system where your upbringing/family/etc. matters less than your innate talent, hard work and achievements. It does not mean a system where your success is tied to the value you bring. edit: For example, standardized tests for advancement are a meritocracy even if the tests are divorced from the requirements of society.