Merit : a controversial and rejected idea

The idea of merit eludes a firm and precise definition. The concept varies across social groups, cultural, religious and national contexts, and historical periods. Any definition of merit involves an element of evaluation. Even some relevant consequences. For example, on the order of social statuses. This paper examines variations in the meaning, and utilisation, of the term in different cultural and religious contexts from India to China and many Western countries. In conclusion, a debate on value judgments cannot be resolved scientifically. The social sciences can instead shed light on the consequences of different value orientations and the practices associated with them. [Publisher's text]