I don’t think there is a competitor that accomplishes what this book does–summarize the sociology of inequality in a clear, interesting, and succinct-yet-thorough fashion. The Meritocracy Myth provides a coherent perspective on the world. Many textbooks are a long mishmash of theories and facts; this one has a compelling message and point of view.

Scott Harris, Saint Louis University

The Meritocracy Myth allows me to explain how categories of difference are constructed, how they are translated into inequalities, and how inequalities are maintained as mechanisms of oppression, privilege, exploitation, and exclusion. It is engaging, rendering complex theories and concepts digestible.

Azat Gundogan, Florida State University

The Meritocracy Myth is detailed, comprehensive, and relevant. Like social life, it is complex.McNamee's writing style is very accessible, well written, and engaging for university students. The book's arguments are very well organized and developed and revealing of the effects of inequalities of opportunity on inequalities of social rewards.

Benny Marcus, Temple University

The Meritocracy Myth is very student friendly and engages students with real-life and relevant examples. McNamee’s writing style, which is always accessible and straightforward, is effective in exploring a fundamental concept in sociology -- the myth of the US as a merit-based system. This book captures students' attention and gives them confidence to want to learn more. The Meritocracy Myth should be read by all sociology students, and I can’t wait to share this with my own students and colleagues!

Abigail Reiter, University of North Carolina at Pembroke

We are bombarded with the message that if you work hard you will succeed. The Meritocracy Myth deftly unpacks this message, helping readers understand the processes at work that challenge this thinking, while conveying key sociological concepts for students. This is a powerful book that deepens our understanding of the ways in which the playing field is not even, how this is underscored in every facet of daily life, and how non-merit factors have a significant bearing on life chances. This is an excellent resource for any undergraduate or graduate course that seeks to understand social processes at work.

Leslie Hossfeld, Clemson University

The Meritocracy Myth is a must-read for everyone who dreams of a more equitable society. There’s no book more valuable for debunking our national delusions of self-made success; there's no other resource that unpacks unfair inequalities in the US as comprehensively and three-dimensionally. Earlier editions inspired my students to think logically and ethically. I'm confident that the fifth edition, with its chapter-opening anecdotes and chapter-closing discussion questions, will encourage even deeper reflection.

Betsy Leondar-Wright, Lasell University