Sociologist Dr. Lisa Chen argues that meritocracy is largely a myth—success correlates more strongly with parental wealth than with individual talent or effort.
Which longitudinal study would best support Chen's mobility critique?
Some people become wealthy
Children from top 10% wealth families with below-average test scores were more likely to end up wealthy than children from bottom 10% families with above-average scores—parental wealth predicted adult outcomes 3x more strongly than measured ability
Education affects outcomes
Inheritance laws exist
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. Low-ability wealthy exceeding high-ability poor + 3x predictive power proves wealth trumps merit.
💡 Strategy: Meritocracy critique needs data comparing high-ability poor to low-ability wealthy.