Is meritocracy a myth? A new documentary released by Channel 4 sheds light on the lives of children of famous parents, with one claiming that so-called "nepo babies" have never faced “so much hate”.
Nepo baby truths revealed in TV test
Is meritocracy a myth? A new documentary released by Channel 4 sheds light on the lives of children of famous parents, with one claiming that so-called "nepo babies" have never faced "so much hate".
A new documentary, fronted by former Spice Girl Mel B's daughter Phoenix Brown explores the topic of nepotismWhere those with power, wealth or influence favour relatives, friends, or associates, especially by giving them jobs. and nepo babies.
Famous nepo babies today include Dakota Johnson, Miley Cyrus, Brooklyn Beckham, Robert Downey Jr and Lily-Rose Depp, celebrities who all have family members in show business.
Nepotism is widespread even among non-celebrities. In a 2023 poll of working-age adults in London, half of respondents said that they got their job through personal connections.
And it is getting worse, not better. Surveys also found that the generation that has benefited most from nepotism in the job market is Gen ZShort for Generation Z, meaning people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s..
Why have we failed to create a society which values meritThe quality of being particularly good or worthy, deserving of praise or reward. over connections, one where everybody has a chance to succeed? Some think that such a meritocracyThe idea that status comes from talent or ability, not privilege or social class. Sandel argues that many voters feel "humiliated by meritocracy and this entire political project". would be just as unfair; that there would be a huge divide between a talented, power-hungry elite and a disadvantaged, unskilled underclass.
Is meritocracy a myth?
Yes! No society has ever been truly meritocratic. Everything in life is set up to benefit a narrow elite who all know each other.
No! Reforms of education, employment rights and civil rights has helped to ensure that talent does not go unnoticed today because of lack of privilege.
Nepotism - Where those with power, wealth or influence favour relatives, friends, or associates, especially by giving them jobs.
Gen Z - Short for Generation Z, meaning people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Merit - The quality of being particularly good or worthy, deserving of praise or reward.
Meritocracy - The idea that status comes from talent or ability, not privilege or social class. Sandel argues that many voters feel "humiliated by meritocracy and this entire political project".
Nepo baby truths revealed in TV test

Glossary
Nepotism - Where those with power, wealth or influence favour relatives, friends, or associates, especially by giving them jobs.
Gen Z - Short for Generation Z, meaning people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Merit - The quality of being particularly good or worthy, deserving of praise or reward.
Meritocracy - The idea that status comes from talent or ability, not privilege or social class. Sandel argues that many voters feel "humiliated by meritocracy and this entire political project".