Merit in Meritocracy: Uncovering the Myth of Exceptionality and Self-Reliance Through the Voices of Urban Youth of Color

Authors

David T. Lardier, University of New Mexico
Kathryn Herr, Montclair State UniversityFollow
Veronica R. Barrios, Montclair State University
Pauline Garcia-Reid, Montclair State UniversityFollow
Robert Reid, Montclair State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-2019

Journal / Book Title

Education and Urban Society

Abstract

A disproportionate number of urban youth attend underresourced and segregated schools. While tenets of the American Dream are inculcated in urban youth, a dearth of educational resources is available to help realize this dream. This qualitative study explored the narratives of urban youth (N = 85), many of whom sought to be the exceptions, embracing higher education as a pathway to successful futures, yet few identified resources that would make access to higher education possible. The capital accrued in their communities allowed them to navigate their social environment; however, it was an insufficient bridge for future success in higher education. Furthermore, they espoused a belief in their own self-reliance as the one resource on which they could count on. Ironically, the youth also accepted “not making it” a result of their own shortcomings. We link findings to empowerment agents who would cultivate both bridging capital and critical consciousness among/for youth.

DOI

10.1177/0013124517727583

MSU Digital Commons Citation

Lardier, David T.; Herr, Kathryn; Barrios, Veronica R.; Garcia-Reid, Pauline; and Reid, Robert, "Merit in Meritocracy: Uncovering the Myth of Exceptionality and Self-Reliance Through the Voices of Urban Youth of Color" (2019). Department of Educational Foundations Scholarship and Creative Works. 77.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/educ-fdns-facpubs/77

Published Citation

Lardier, D. T., Herr, K. G., Barrios, V. R., Garcia-Reid, P., & Reid, R. J. (2019). Merit in Meritocracy: Uncovering the Myth of Exceptionality and Self-Reliance Through the Voices of Urban Youth of Color. Education and Urban Society, 51(4), 474-500. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013124517727583