How Culture and Merit Shape American Policies

Source: The post How Culture and Merit Shape American Policies has been created, based on the article “America needs Indians on H-1B visas” published in “Indian Express” on 31st December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses the tension between cultural values and merit in America, especially in contexts like college admissions and H-1B visa policies. It highlights historical biases and current debates involving prominent figures like Vivek Ramaswamy, Donald Trump, and Elon Musk, focusing on how cultural preferences impact professional and educational opportunities.

What Is the Debate About Culture and Merit?

1. Critique of American Values: American politician Vivek Ramaswamy criticizes U.S. culture for prioritizing mediocrity over excellence, highlighting a societal preference for social popularity (like prom queens and jocks) over academic or technical achievements (like math Olympiad champs).
2. Public Reaction: Ramaswamy’s comments sparked controversy, with detractors accusing him of overlooking the importance of balanced societal values that include leisure and social experiences.

How Has History Shaped College Admissions?

1. Early Focus on Academic Merit: Initially, top U.S. colleges like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton primarily valued academic excellence in admissions, largely based on subject test scores.
2. Shift in Criteria Due to Rising Anti-Semitism: As the number of Jewish students increased, so did anti-Semitic attitudes. This led to a shift in admissions criteria around the 1920s to include assessments of “character,” demonstrated through sports and extracurricular involvement, which helped limit Jewish admissions.
3. Broadening of Admission Standards: The new criteria aimed to favor White Anglo-Saxon applicants by evaluating traits like involvement in sports and perceived “manliness,” moving away from strictly academic achievements.

What Are the Broader Implications of the Culture-Merit Debate?

1. Influence on Immigration Policies: The culture-merit debate influences policies like the H-1B visa, emphasizing the need for high-skilled labor while also fostering debates about the balance between professional achievements and broader societal contributions.
2. Societal Expectations: The debate reflects and shapes societal expectations about success, often emphasizing certain careers and educational paths as more valuable.
3. Modern Leaders Influence: The discussion around culture and merit has been influenced by prominent figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. They have emphasized the value of high-skilled immigrants in sectors like technology, highlighting a division between economic contributions and broader social inclusion.

What Historical Examples Highlight the Complexity of ‘Intelligence’?

1. Ancient Greeks: They valued physical agility, rational judgment, and virtuous behavior as signs of intelligence, showing a broad interpretation of what it means to be intelligent.
2. Romans: Their culture highlighted the virtue of masculine courage, indicating that bravery and strength were considered intelligent traits.
3. Islamic Societies: Revered the holy soldier, showing that religious and military prowess were significant markers of intelligence.
4. Traditional Chinese Culture: Valued skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and drawing, emphasizing artistic and strategic abilities over the typical modern focus on IQ and academic success.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the historical evolution of college admissions criteria reflects the tension between cultural values and merit in America.