Subjective Social Inequalities, Lay Perceptions of Merit and Puzzles of Explanation

ABSTRACT

Despite rising socioeconomic inequalities most people see individualised merit as crucial for social success. Drawing on surveys such as the ISSP a wealth of research examines trends in subjective perceptions, the relative importance accorded to merit and non‐merit factors for getting ahead in life and factors which influence lay perceptions. However, varied conclusions emerge from the literature. Further, puzzles ensue from the measurement of lay perceptions of (non‐)merit factors as drivers of social success. Drawing on new qualitative data I argue that the specific, individualised, and binary framings of merit and non‐merit beliefs in conventional accounts under‐explore the varied ways in which people recognise structural processes. I also argue that explanation is hampered by over‐stating lay misapprehensions, or what people don't see, when a greater focus on what people do see, and what they believe to have mattered in their biographical lived experience, would support a more nuanced sociological analysis of situatedness and complexity in lay apprehensions of social inequality.