What does the 'meritocracy myth' suggest about individual life circumstances?

The 'meritocracy myth' suggests that the prevailing belief in a meritocratic society is flawed; it implies that anyone can achieve success and reach their full potential purely through hard work and determination. This notion promotes the idea that individual effort is the primary driver of success, overlooking the nuanced and complex social structures that can either facilitate or hinder one's ability to thrive.

Supporters of the meritocracy myth often argue that all individuals have an equal opportunity to succeed if they are diligent and committed. However, this perspective disregards the significant impact of factors such as socio-economic background, access to education, systemic inequalities, and social networks, which can profoundly influence individual life circumstances and outcomes. Thus, while hard work is indeed valuable, the assertion that it is the sole determinant of success creates a misleading narrative that can perpetuate inequality and overlook the barriers faced by many individuals in society.