How does society perceive those who are represented versus those who are not represented? Is it that they lack skills, education, experience, or knowledge to deserve a seat at the table? Or is it because they simply cannot be trusted to make the right decisions for their country or community? These are some of the questions raised by the study of representation policies and how they affect societal perceptions of merit, competence, and moral authority.
Meritocracy
In many countries around the world, including the United States, there has been an emphasis on creating a "meritocratic" system where people are promoted based on their abilities and achievements rather than their background or connections. This means that if someone works hard and performs well in school, they can rise through the ranks of society regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, or social class.
This idea of meritocracy often fails to take into account structural inequalities that exist within systems of power and privilege.
Certain groups may have access to better resources, opportunities, and networks which give them an advantage when pursuing educational or professional goals. As such, meritocracy can perpetuate inequality rather than eliminate it.
Competency
When it comes to perceptions of competency, there is often a focus on what someone knows rather than who they are. In other words, we tend to value knowledge over identity. This can lead to situations where people with privileged identities (e.g., white men) are seen as more competent simply because they belong to that group, while those from underrepresented groups may be seen as less competent even though they possess the same skills and qualifications. This bias can impact everything from hiring practices to promotions and pay gaps.
Moral Authority
There is also a question of how societal perceptions of morality play into representation policies. When certain groups are excluded from positions of power, it can create a sense of moral outrage and injustice. People may feel like they deserve a voice in decision-making processes but don't have one. This can result in calls for change, protests, and movements towards greater inclusivity. At the same time, some may argue that those without representation lack the necessary experience or wisdom to make sound decisions on behalf of their communities.
Representation policies interact with societal perceptions of merit, competence, and moral authority in complex ways. While meritocracy emphasizes individual achievement, it fails to account for structural inequalities. Competency is often judged based on who you are rather than what you know. And morality is tied up in questions of justice and equity. These are important considerations when thinking about how to design representation policies that promote equality and inclusion.
How do representation policies interact with societal perceptions of merit, competence, and moral authority?
Representation policies are those laws and regulations that aim at ensuring equal opportunities for all people regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, physical abilities, etc. They attempt to create an equitable society where everyone can have access to education, employment, political participation, social services, healthcare, and other essential needs.