They also believe that society works in a meritocratic system: that people work for what they achieve, and achieve what they deserve, according to their own merit and effort, i.e., they work hard to get the best jobs in later life.
Michael Young, Baron Young of Dartington (9 August 1915 – 14 January 2002), British sociologist, social activist and politician who coined the term "meritocracy"
Lost in the Meritocracy: The Undereducation of an Overachiever is a 2009 memoir by Walter Kirn.
"Consciousness II" represents a viewpoint of "an organizational society", featuring meritocracy and improvement through various large institutions; it dominated the New Deal, World War II and 1950s generations.