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Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer
The Tyranny of Merit (with Michael Sandel)
Sep 26, 2023
World-renowned philosopher Michael Sandel discusses the concept of meritocracy and its role in creating deep polarization in society. He explores the dark side of meritocracy, the pitfalls of technocratic governance, the damaging consequences of prioritizing capital efficiency, the unraveling moral fabric of community, and the toxic influence of meritocracy on our culture.
57:23
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Quick takeaways
- The concept of meritocracy has led to widening inequalities and shaped attitudes towards success, contributing to societal divisions and the rise of populist backlash against elites.
- The emphasis on higher education and technocratic expertise as solutions to inequality perpetuates a sense of inequality and resentment, and there is a need to rejuvenate democratic public discourse and restore civic engagement.
Deep dives
The Tyranny of Merit: The Politics of Polarization
The podcast explores the concept of the tyranny of merit and its connection to the polarized political landscape of recent decades. It argues that it is not only merit but also the neoclassical and neoliberal framework for understanding economic cause and effect that tyrannizes us. This framework has led to widening inequalities of income and wealth and has shaped the changing attitudes towards success. The podcast highlights the corrosive effects of meritocracy on the common good, the hubris among winners, and the humiliation experienced by those who are left behind. It also explores how this dynamic has contributed to the populist backlash against elites around the world.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode