Ch6-Notes

Americans hold a fascination with rags-to-riches stories but maintain a disfavor towards the poor.
- Benjamin Franklin notably stated in 1766, "The best way of doing good to the poor is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it."
- This perspective, held by Franklin, implies that poverty stems from ignorance or laziness, advocating for punishment and moral education over government assistance.
The meritocracy myth is characterized by the belief that success is a direct result of good choices, overshadowing systemic factors.
- Franklin contributed to this myth through writings in "Poor Richard’s Almanac" and his 1758 essay "The Way to Wealth."
- His maxims, such as "God helps them that help themselves," have become ingrained in American culture, leading to a disdain for poor individuals who are perceived as making poor choices.

Example of April, an individual opposing social safety net expansion:
- April grew up in an upper-middle-class white family with both parents in healthcare and financially supporting her education.
- She worked for a religious charity and later became a full-time mother, holding traditional views on parenting that linked discipline with success.
April’s beliefs about parenting and discipline:
- Emphasizes physical discipline, quoting, "The Bible says, ‘Spare the rod and hate your child.’"
- Advocates time-consuming teaching methods for her son, Diego, instead of making her home childproof.
Despite relying on social programs (e.g., Medicaid, EITC), April maintains the stance that success relies on faith and hard work, viewing financial struggles in others as choices or laziness.
Financial constraints during the pandemic:
- April faced uncertainties with her husband Mateo's pastors' salary but managed budgeting through frugality and faith.
- Describes financial struggles but differentiates her family from those who are “truly poor” based on perceived moral and financial choices.

April's responses in a 2021 survey reflect her adherence to the meritocracy myth:
- Question 1: Hard work = success vs. success based on luck - she chooses hard work.
- Question 2: Wealth tied to hard work vs. advantages in life - she chooses hard work.
- Question 3: Poor working hard vs. facing obstacles - she chooses hard work.
- Question 4: Government benefits = ease vs. struggle without support - she chooses ease.
April opposes multiple enhancements to the social safety net, reflecting widespread beliefs about deservingness.
- Despite being close to financial insecurity, she rejects universal support systems.

Franklin's impact extended to the mid-19th Century New Thought Movement, emphasizing personal agency and the belief that success is a product of mindset.
- Phineas Quimby: "Man’s happiness or misery depends on himself," reflecting Franklin's influence.
- Mary Baker Eddy's stance on health emphasizes the mind, linking positive thinking to prosperity.
The idea of prosperity gospel:
- Promotes the belief that faithfulness and hard work lead to earthly rewards of wealth and health.
- Figures like Joel Osteen reinforce this message, urging followers to relinquish negative narratives about their circumstances.
- Self-help culture capitalizes on the meritocratic idea through messages emphasizing the power of positive thinking.

Statistical data reveals that hard work does not equal financial success:
- 2022 data shows minimal work-hour differences between low and high earners.
- High numbers of low-income workers take on multiple jobs to cope with financial demands.
An audit study by sociologist Devah Pager demonstrates racial disparities in job applications, with young Black men receiving fewer callbacks than their white counterparts despite identical resumes.

Despite counter-evidence, belief in meritocracy described by a 2021 Pew research study indicates:
- Over 70% of Americans believe hard work determines success, rejecting luck's role.
- These beliefs are mirrored across political, religious, and racial demographics.

Meritocracy offers psychological comfort, suggesting there is a self-determined pathway to success amidst societal inequity.
- The meritocracy myth alleviates hopelessness and strengthens personal resolve to pursue goals despite obstacles.
Downstream effects of meritocratic beliefs lead to unhealthy cycles, particularly among minorities:
- Research indicates that low-income African Americans who believe in meritocracy experience heightened stress and health problems.

The assumption that failure stems from individual failure fosters a punitive attitude toward those in need of assistance:
- Prevalent stereotypes associate poverty with laziness, affecting perceptions of social safety net programs.
Proposals for universal programs are often met with skepticism, as meritocratic beliefs undermine compassion towards disadvantaged groups.

The establishment of penitentiaries in the 19th century aimed to reform the so-called undeserving poor, reflecting deep-rooted societal views.
- Influential figures promoted punitive rehabilitation models during economic downturns.
Modern incarceration still mirrors systemic issues of race and class injustice, leveraging labor from incarcerated individuals to serve economic interests without fair compensation or protections.

The meritocracy myth engenders divisions and rationalizes systemic inequalities across racial and economic lines:
- Misconceptions related to welfare and incarceration rates affect public attitudes toward reform.
Economic impacts of underinvestment in the social safety net negatively affect all socioeconomic classes:
- Increased discontent across white, working-class communities fuels social unrest and challenges.

The myth enables justification of wealth disparities, fostering a favorable outlook on billionaires and corporate figures:
- Many Americans view billionaires favorably, attributing their success solely to merit rather than systemic inequalities.
Billionaires and successful individuals manipulate the myth to self-validate their wealth and power:
- Notable figures use meritocratic language to eschew responsibility for contributing to social welfare through tax obligations.
Disparities extend into taxation, revealing a growing gap over decades, with wealth genuinely not trickling down to lower income brackets.

The ongoing belief in the meritocracy myth poses significant barriers to building a fair social safety net, preventing collective action necessary for systemic reform.
Societal beliefs about individual effort continue to fortify existing inequities, making it imperative to challenge and dismantle these narratives to facilitate greater support and unity among disadvantaged groups.