Meritocracy and diversity: tensions and contradictions

Abstract

We empirically examine tensions in narratives of meritocracy and diversity through 20 semi-structured interviews with high-skilled foreign workers (primarily based in the United States and the United Kingdom, and predominantly of colour). Existing studies have established that meritocracy is a complex and multi-faceted construct, riddled with tensions and contradictions. However, organisations continue the diffusion of meritocratic sentiments through processes, which ironically reproduce inequalities. Minority groups are most negatively affected, with disparities being further heightened by multiple intersections of difference such as gender, race, and foreignness. Foreign workers of colour find themselves precariously placed, where legal requirements exacerbate their marginalisation, which is further heightened for women. While diversity initiatives are proposed to address inequalities arising from meritocratic sentiments, they have come under criticism as token gestures. Our findings reveal participants simultaneously believing in and questioning meritocracy, showing tensions in their positioning stories, demonstrating the complexity of meritocracy.

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ORCID for Naveena Prakasam: orcid.org/0000-0001-8903-5338

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