[fixed_truth]

My issue with the idea of meritocracy and personal responsibility is that although it is an intuitive idea(s), it’s actually not really grounded in reality as in fact we are all pretty much products of our environment. So when someone does well in society, as well as patting them on the back we need to look at the ways they were conditioned and nurtured into where they are. Through this examination of our preconceived notions about meritocracy not only does it show us things we need to be putting in place as a society; it also allows us to see those failing in society in a more accurate light.

For example, a lot of the kids who really excel academically weren’t born fundamentally different to other kids it’s that they almost always come from stable, well-resourced families that from a young age have been pushed hard by parents.

Now even if we do start to look at things in terms of cause and effect or inputs and outputs people still let ideologies get in the way. Talk about increasing social services (increasing DPB, feeding kids at school, UBI, increasing benefits) and people are quick to assert things like doing so will mean people won’t want to work or will have kids for money when in fact for most beneficiaries’ this extra support will take a lot of financial pressure off, they’ll be less stressed, provide more for their kids, be better role models etc. etc. Hell even if a punitive approach to welfare did change people’s life for the better (which it doesn’t) it’s still not a humane approach particularly when we can get better outcomes through supporting people through changing their environment for the better.

End first NZG rant in ages