On Friday, our Head of Department shared an internship offer with the departmental community. Everyone started to talk about it in the classroom and almost everyone was enthusiastic. Because most of the students are still waiting for their first internship. I, on the other hand, just finished my first internship, so I am not really in the mood to join another one. Plus, it is an “unpaid” opportunity, but still, it has the power to result in good fortune, later on in life. Whatsoever, I am not here to talk about personal life choices, rather the delusional concept of “merit and inclusiveness”. The whole internship offering (advertisement) is fill with this merit thing.
My question is: are these internships really on merit?
The point here is not nepotism, favoritism, or other corrupt activities, by the most beautiful creatures – the Homo Sapiens. My main concern is those social and economical perspective which generally remain hidden.
To simplify it, let us have an example.
There are three characters in this example story: A, B, and Z.
So, Mr. A comes from a well settled family and belongs to a novel society i.e. society of the upper-middle class or elite class. On first note, he does not even need to apply for this internship, but it is the semester's demands, so he is left with no other choice. With his strong social and economical background, is far easier for him to access this opportunity.
Next is Mr. B, he belongs to an above average family, but of course, not the same as Mr. A. But he has already done many internships, thanks to his (malign) links. He, too, with the strong CV has a strong chance to apply.
Finally, there is Mr. Z, the one with the middle-class opportunities. He is now stuck with hope. The possibility of getting it, or just letting it go because the competition is already high. Along with the competition, there is another problem: the expenses. As it is an unpaid one, and thanks to the so-called merit based system, he can apply. He may also get selected, but he is worried about the expenses. How is he going to manage the travel, hostel and mess expenses?
Three different people, applying for the same thing under the concept of merit. The idealistic belief may say that if one wants to one can, but the realistic world is quite harsh and different. It prefers not to day-dream rather gives nightmares even during the day time.
Equity over Equality
Although, the merit system is based on equality; it still fails to provide the equal opportunity. And this is where the concept of equity appears. And there is a thin line between equality and equity, both talk about the good thing. Still, equity wins over the equality because of its optimistic logic.
Therefore, the question is not whether merit exists, but whose merit is being measured and under what conditions. A system that, knowingly, ignores the background of individuals challenges; while, judging their outcomes quietly favors those who never had to struggle for access in the first place. It rewards readiness, not potential; exposure, not capability. Mr. A competes with comfort, Mr. B competes with connections and Mr. Z competes with constraints. Yet, all three are placed on the same starting line and told that the race is fair.
It reminds me of a cartoon story
A teacher tells his students, consisting all sorts of animals, that whoever gets to the top of the tree first will get the maximum marks. Should a snake, lion, monkey, giraffe and a crocodile be judged on their ability to climb trees? Is that form of merit fair? There is no doubt of it being ‘equal’ as it sets the same task for everyone. But it is not fair or based on equity. And it is definitely not inclusive. And this is where the illusion lies, not in the absence of merit, but in the blindness of the system that defines it.
If inclusiveness is truly the goal, then opportunity must come with feasibility and equity. An unpaid internship that demands time, travel, and survival costs is not neutral. It is selective in disguise. It prefers not the talent, but the affordability.
So, while the world continues to celebrate merit, it must also learn to question the structures that produce it. Because equality may offer everyone the same door, but equity ensures that everyone has the key to open it.
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Do mention your thoughts.
Peace 🕊
