Peter Saunders asserts that Britain is a meritocratic society, to what extent is this true?

Question

Peter Saunders asserts that Britain is a meritocratic society, to what extent is this true?

Answer 1

There has been a lot of debate about this, but it has been suggested that British society is so entrenched in ideas of class, that the meritocratic thesis is well and truly dead.

However, some research, including the work of Saunders, suggests that ability and effort can influence an individuals movement from class origins to class destination.

Look at John Goldthorpe's data. It certainly looks like the meritocratic thesis is still alive and kicking!