The Tyranny of the Meritocracy

In The Tyranny of the Meritocracy, Lani Guinier argues that America’s system of higher education has devolved into a testocracy that defines merit by one’s score on the SAT. According to Guinier, American colleges and universities have lost sight of their mission to prepare individuals to be contributing citizens in a democratic society. Individualism, epitomized by the cult of the test, is worshipped over the democratic value of collaboration. Test scores are given priority consideration in college admissions decisions over the character of applicants. The result is a system that favors the elite and their sense of entitlement.

Guinier does not prescribe a solution to this problem. Instead, she points to possible alternatives by highlighting successful efforts in and out of the classroom to develop in students the collaborative skills needed to contribute in a democratic society. She also refers to research in the cognitive sciences, problem solving, and group dynamics. Even though Guinier does not provide a specific approach to democratizing American higher education, her book will likely spark debate about the ultimate purpose of a college education. This is reason enough to read the book.