Beliefs About Meritocracy Among Undergraduate Students at Two Universities

Abstract

Despite increasing inequality and decreasing class mobility in the United States, Americans continue to believe that their country is the “land of opportunity.” This study investigated what undergraduate students at Princeton University and Rutgers University believe about the degree to which American society is meritocratic. This study also tests theories about the social determinants of beliefs about meritocracy as well as the nature of political beliefs in general. Through analysis of survey and interview data, I found that these college students generally believe in the “dominant ideology” of individualism and opportunity. Finally, I discuss possible avenues for further research.