The Tyranny of the Meritocracy: Democratizing Higher Education in America

Ms. Guinier makes a very strong case as to why higher education (in this country) is fast becoming something for the elites in society. She makes it very clear that in order to be fully informed, we first need to know definitions. Meritocracy is not about what one has earned, but is more about one's (upper) economic status. And with that said, there is little to no room for those individuals that are born into a lower class. As a society, we moving more toward higher education be only for the elites. Who can pay for expensive test preparations for the ACT and SAT? Which students can be exposed to many of the activities, functions, and opportunities that catches the "eye" of the universities and colleges? Only the elite classThis is a well written and researched book that does not come across as wonky. She makes a very good argument why and how things need to change.

Guinier drives the point home that standardized testing does not always tell the full story about a person's potential for academic success. Her sterling examples of the students in the Posse Foundation who have gone on to score undergraduate and graduate degrees is proof that people can succeed despite bad to mediocre test scores. I wholeheartedly endorse Guinier's position that a person's overall track record is a better indicator of competence than a one-time so-called "aptitude" test. Bravo!!!

I've been fortunate enough to study under Lani Guinier in law school. She is one of the most brilliant people I've ever met. Read this, search for and watch her videos on YouTube. She is a treasure and her work is invaluable.

Fantastic read. I strongly recommend this for anyone working in higher education.

Excellent, well thought out piece of literature. Sadly, it speaks to the need to completely shatter the current educational paradigm that we have all become accustomed to because it is neither equitable nor balanced. This book is a serious wake up call to any and all who are really committed to educational equity and social justice.

Easy read and I enjoyed reading it!

Refreshing to read a book that demonstrates the author's grasp of what's wrong with education in America today. As Ms. Guinier emphasizes, qualitative factors do matter. We need a new narrative for the American Dream. I believe Ms. Guinier has accurately framed the challenges facing education in America today, if we want to include all members of society into that new narrative! Thank you so much.

great analysis and well written.she is profoundly persuasive. also great discussion points for any book club.

The book describes the importance of the collaboration in the development of teams. The cases relating the behavior of the teams with high degree of diversity are the important benchmark for the people who manage groups in the project development. The hightlight of the book is the reasons presented that the meritocracy is not only to have a good grade in tests, but also someone else has to be taking into account for qualifying this virtude.

Interesting. How to evolve educational system in a globalized complex world. More collaborative problem solving and less competition will strengthen our cultural base.