Merit
A controversial and rejected idea
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21655133 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Alberto Baldissera (corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Issue | 138 |
| Pages | 5-32 |
| Publication date | 2026-06-01 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | SOCIOLOGIA E RICERCA SOCIALE (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1121-1148 • E-ISSN: 1971-8446 |
| Publisher | Franco Angeli (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.3280/sr2025-138001 |
| OpenAlex | W7165888456 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 36 |
The idea of merit eludes a firm and precise definition. The concept varies across social groups, cultural, religious and national contexts, and historical periods. Any definition of merit involves an element of evaluation. Even some relevant conse-quences. For example, on the order of social statuses. This paper examines varia-tions in the meaning, and utilisation, of the term in different cultural and religious contexts – from India to China and many Western countries. In conclusion, a debate on value judgments cannot be resolved scientifically. The social sciences can instead shed light on the consequences of different value orientations and the practices associated with them
China · Social order · Cultural Differences and Values · Culture, Economy, and Development Studies · Social Power and Status Dynamics
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The Meaning of Merit
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| Highly cited | No |
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