4 ms·
Of course. But it is a significant data point in describing the culture divide between the UK and the US. The whole topic deserves an entire book. Even then, t
by sharikous 5y ago
Of course. But it is a significant data point in describing the culture divide between the UK and the US.
The whole topic deserves an entire book. Even then, the answer "who is the most meritocratic" won't receive a straight answer. The point that British culture does not allow the prime minister to send their children to fancy schools is a meaningful one to make, among many others.
It puts the UK closer to the Scandinavian/Northern European countries and the USA closer to less-than-democratic countries (MENA, Africa, Russia, China) on this particular axis.
- smcl 5y agoIt’s certainly an interesting wee fact but I don’t think it says anything about whether the UK should be considered more or less meritocratic. I think it’s a fig leaf where we get to pretend we are a super progressive country that is smashing its class system, while doing very little to that effect. To be clear - I don’t care where David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris et al send their kids to school. I care that such schools exist effectively to officially stamp you as a member of the upper class. Edit: I hope this doesn’t sound like I’m annoyed with you or the original commenter! I have some strong feelings about this but I am aware that you didn’t create this system, that you are not standing up for it or trying to protect it. We’re just having a discussion and as you say it really deserves an entire book