Which term refers to a system where social positions are allocated by merit rather than background?

Which term refers to a system where social positions are allocated by merit rather than background?

• A. Distribution of wealth
• B. Income
• C. Meritocracy
• D. Dependency culture

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is meritocracy: a system in which social positions are allocated by merit—qualities like ability, effort, and achievement—rather than by family background. This concept emphasizes that who ends up in certain roles or levels of prestige is determined by what a person demonstrates they can do, not who they were born to. In theory, meritocracy suggests equal opportunity lets talent rise to the top, linking status and rewards to individual merit. The other terms don’t describe a system of placement based on ability: distribution of wealth is about how resources are spread in society, not how social positions are earned; income refers to money earned, not the method by which positions are assigned; and dependency culture is a term about reliance on welfare and social support, not about merit-based allocation of roles.

The idea being tested is meritocracy: a system in which social positions are allocated by merit—qualities like ability, effort, and achievement—rather than by family background. This concept emphasizes that who ends up in certain roles or levels of prestige is determined by what a person demonstrates they can do, not who they were born to. In theory, meritocracy suggests equal opportunity lets talent rise to the top, linking status and rewards to individual merit. The other terms don’t describe a system of placement based on ability: distribution of wealth is about how resources are spread in society, not how social positions are earned; income refers to money earned, not the method by which positions are assigned; and dependency culture is a term about reliance on welfare and social support, not about merit-based allocation of roles.