Meritocratic Warfare

The pervasive messaging from a meritocratic culture over the last three and a half decades has led to the widespread belief that educational achievement is the pathway to success. Political leaders, notably Bill Clinton in the 90s, promoted the idea that one's earnings are directly linked to their learning, encapsulating this philosophy in the slogan 'what you earn will depend on what you learn.' This narrative reinforces the legitimacy of credentialism, where individuals feel compelled to obtain formal qualifications to gain social value. However, this emphasis on credentials as a means of societal worth shifts focus away from addressing underlying economic challenges caused by inadequate policies, fostering a culture where individuals strive to enhance their resumes rather than tackling systemic issues. As a result, the notion of becoming a valued member of society has morphed into a competitive struggle—termed 'meritocratic warfare'—for educational credentials, neglecting the reality that a degree no longer guarantees security or success in one’s chosen field. The rhetoric of rising is laden with unintended consequences, as it perpetuates the illusion of upward mobility while failing to acknowledge the complexities of the current economic landscape.