The Meritocracy Trap

Markovits challenges the U.S.'s self-proclaimed meritocratic system and argues that it is a false system that only reinforces inequality through resource- and opportunity-hoarding among the elite. Fred Sanders narrates the audiobook in a deliberate style that can be helpful, particularly when Markovits explains the mechanisms that prevent an equal system of opportunity based upon skills: the harvesting of wealth without work by elites, private and prestigious education inaccessible to most people, and networks of influence in work that limit people's opportunities. Sanders's delivery has a staccato intonation that wears on listeners. Yet, with his deep pitch, slightly raspy timbre, and overall genial tone, he keeps people listening while Markovits's prose keeps them engaged. L.E. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine