Britain a Meritocracy?
Discuss issues related to the politics of the UK, such as the actions of any MP, any current or potential law, or any other factor affecting the British political system.
| Announcements | Posted on | |
|---|---|---|
| TSR launches Learn Together! - Our new subscription to help improve your learning | 16-05-2013 | |
-
- Reputation:
- Overlord in Training
- Location: London
Of course I realise that, I recognise that as a school of thought but I disagree with it, personally.(Original post by John82)
You go on about how the Conservatives would reduce public spending, but you don't seem to realise if that were the case, individuals would have more disposible income which could be spent on private healthcare (which would lessen the burden on the NHS), private education (which would lessen the burden on state schools)
My point is that investment in public services at the current level, relies on progressive taxation. Whether we should spend that much on public services or not is a whole new debate! But I think we should and I'm glad we do. -
- Reputation:
- Thread Starter
- TSR Demigod
- Location: undisclosed
- Posts: 5,424
Ah, but what of motivation? surely it would be fair to take into account class values here by removing some of the financial burden off working class students?(Original post by Howard)
Not necessarily. It's 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration. A half decent brain combined with perserverence and dedication will earn anybody a PHd if that's what they really desire. IMO. -
- Reputation:
- Banned
- Location: Cambridge
- Posts: 14,677
Theres more of a stigma about matierialism, and also trumpeting ones own achievements, in Europe, but particularly the UK, than in America, it seems to me(Original post by psychic_satori)
Do you believe that there is more of a social stigma to having great ambition in Britain, particularly in the economic sense, than elsewhere? -
- Reputation:
- TSR Deity
- Posts: 31,060
Well, in fairness if one perseveres at something and is dedicated to it then there's a very good chance that they are "motivated" so let's not dwell on each and every virtue required to jump through academic hoops.(Original post by ayaan)
Ah, but what of motivation? surely it would be fair to take into account class values here by removing some of the financial burden off working class students?
Some of the financial burdens are taken off working class students aren't they? Grants? Scholarships? Low interest loans with flexible payback terms? -
- Reputation:
- Thread Starter
- TSR Demigod
- Location: undisclosed
- Posts: 5,424
You're right i'm done with sociology.. till my exams.(Original post by Howard)
Well, in fairness if one perseveres at something and is dedicated to it then there's a very good chance that they are "motivated" so let's not dwell on each and every virtue required to jump through academic hoops.
Yes but i'm not up to arguing the economics here( a bit of a cop out, but whatever). Let's get back to the ambition thing, that was fun(Original post by Howard)
Some of the financial burdens are taken off working class students aren't they? Grants? Scholarships? Low interest loans with flexible payback terms?
-
- Reputation:
- Benevolent Member
Well I don't care too much for Veritas, think I read about it through the Adam Smith Institute. Anyway there is no reason why a flat rate of tax cannot raise the same amount of government revenue as the progressive system.(Original post by thebucketwoman)
That's Veritas' idea. But their economic policy also relies on a huge reduction of costs for asylum and immigration for things like Legal Aid, housing, health and detention costs.
Which I fundamentally disagree with.
They also say nothing about investment in schools and hospitals.
I can't work out if a flat rate of tax would be truly meritocratic. It wouldn't reward ability, but it wouldn't punish it either. I guess it would be more meritocratic than the progressive system. -
- Reputation:
- Benevolent Member
I don't think the type of taxation determines the amount of government revenue. It depends on the level of taxation, and there are fairer systems of taxation than progressive taxation. In fact I can't think of a less fair system of taxation.(Original post by thebucketwoman)
My point is that investment in public services at the current level, relies on progressive taxation. -
- Reputation:
- Banned
- Location: Cambridge
- Posts: 14,677
For my two pennies on tax, you only need to sit down and do a few rough calculations to realise that the idea that lower taxes bring more government revenue, or even a sufficient amount to pay for less state services at the same quality is a fallacy, UNLESS the taxes are so high as to encourage all reasonably high earners to play every system to avoid making contributions
