Conclusion: Addressing Inequality

Although it was HerrnsteinHerrnstein, Richard J.’s writing in the early 1970s that began widespread discussion of the concept, and The Bell Curve, which he co-authored with MurrayMurray, Charles that continued it, the truth is that the notion of a “meritocracymeritocracyconcept of” has become an abiding conviction across much of the political spectrum in the United StatesUnited Statespolitical spectrum. The belief that society’s “winners” deserve their hugely disproportionate share of resources because they are better—i.e., smarter—than others is not unique to conservatives and libertarians like MurrayMurray, Charles; it is also an article of faith for much of the so-called “New DemocraticNew Democracy” establishment that has controlled the party from the ClintonClinton, Hillary Rodham through the ObamaObama, Barack administrations. For both conservatives and many liberals, the meritocraticmeritocracy faith is not so much a way to explain inequality as to rationalize it; high-ranking officials involved in economic policy in both RepublicanRepublican Party (US) and DemocraticDemocratic Party (US) administrations have considered inequality not only inevitable but the appropriate reflection of people’s economic value.