Abstract
This chapter presents an analysis of Singapore as an emblematic case of the modern-day meritocracy, positing that its meritocracy has evolved, over time, a “parentocracy” that extends and consolidates the lead of wealthy children over their less privileged counterparts. The chapter begins by underscoring the value of meritocracy as a system that is able to facilitate social mobility, spot talent, and usher economic growth. However, attention is also drawn to its downside, which includes a society-wide fixation on measurable indicators such as academic grades, the ossification of class boundaries that makes it hard to identify disadvantaged talents, and ultimately the loss of social cohesion wrought by a class-divided society. The chapter discusses policy interventions that the government has implemented and highlights some paradoxes that these policy levers bring to bear. The chapter argues that meritocracy remains a work-in-progress and that Singapore’s continued flourishing requires that policymakers and other stakeholders imagine meritocracy afresh, keep alive its original intent of opening pathways for all, but also ensure that the system evolves to characterize success more broadly, lift the disadvantaged in society, and disrupt social closures associated with class, race, and gender.
The number of academics Mr. Lee has dropped from parliament should make clear that academic accomplishments, valuable though they are, by themselves, cut no ice with him. At best they are no more than prima facie evidence that certain people are presumed to possess certain abilities. It is a claim that must be put to test by performance in the rough and tumble of the real world of sinners and saints.
Speech by Mr. S. Rajaratnam, Second Deputy Prime Minister (Foreign Affairs), at the Dinner in Celebration of the 60th Birthday of Then Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, 16 September 1983.
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Notes
- 1.
Authors’ own calculations using the 1995 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study and the 2012 Programme for International Student Assessment.
- 2.
In 2017/2018, the top 20 percent of households by income spent an average pf $121.30 per month on tuition while the lowest 20 percent of households spent only $32.70 per month.
- 3.
For instance, 17% of variation in Science performance is explained by students’ socioeconomic status.
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Chua, V., Seah, K.K.C. (2022). From Meritocracy to Parentocracy, and Back. In: Lee, YJ. (eds) Education in Singapore. Education in the Asia-Pacific Region: Issues, Concerns and Prospects, vol 66. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9982-5_10
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