Meritocracy, the ostensibly equitable principle of appraising individuals based on their quantifiable achievements, harbors latent deficiencies that can surreptitiously perpetuate systemic inequities. It presupposes a uniform starting point for all, thereby neglecting the pervasive socio-economic disparities and entrenched biases that disproportionately favor the already advantaged. Consequently, those endowed with pre-existing privileges are more predisposed to thrive, exacerbating rather than ameliorating societal stratification.

This exclusive focus on merit reduces multifaceted human beings to mere aggregations of measurable success, disregarding intangible yet vital attributes such as empathy and creative ingenuity. Such an approach engenders a hyper-competitive milieu, prioritizing individualistic triumphs over collective welfare. Furthermore, the metrics of merit are frequently delineated by prevailing power structures, rendering them inherently subjective and partial.

**_____________________________**

Absent a critical reassessment, meritocracy risks devolving into a superficial construct, obfuscating the underlying power dynamics with a veneer of fairness.

---

**Question:**

Which of the following best completes the blank in the article?

1. Therefore, meritocracy can be seen as a self-perpetuating system that inherently benefits those who are already in positions of power.

2. Thus, the glorification of merit can inadvertently cement the disparities it seeks to eliminate.

3. Consequently, a truly equitable society cannot be achieved without recognizing the limitations of merit-based evaluations.

4. As a result, the rhetoric of meritocracy may function as a tool for maintaining existing social hierarchies.

5. In conclusion, the ideal of meritocracy, while appealing in its simplicity, fails to account for the complexities of human experience and social dynamics.

이건 상

### The Flaws in Evaluating by Merit

Meritocracy—the idea of judging people based on their achievements—seems fair but has hidden flaws that can reinforce inequality. It assumes everyone starts equally, ignoring systemic issues like unequal access to education, resources, and biases that favor the privileged. Those with advantages are more likely to succeed, deepening disparities instead of bridging them.

Focusing solely on merit reduces people to measurable accomplishments, overlooking crucial traits like empathy and creativity. This creates a competitive environment that often prioritizes individual gain over collective well-being. Moreover, the criteria for merit are often shaped by those in power, making them subjective and biased.