Vol. 25 No. 1 (2022): Anno XXV, 1-2022
Dossier - Tra Merito e Competenze

Per una “meritocrazia inclusiva”, oltre le disuguaglianze sociali: il ruolo-chiave dell’educazione prescolare

Paola Caselli
University of Florence

Published 2022-07-20

Keywords

  • Merit,
  • Meritocracy,
  • Skills,
  • Social disadvantage,
  • Social redemption,
  • Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC)
  • ...More
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How to Cite

Caselli, P. (2022). Per una “meritocrazia inclusiva”, oltre le disuguaglianze sociali: il ruolo-chiave dell’educazione prescolare. Studi Sulla Formazione/Open Journal of Education, 25(1), 121–131. https://doi.org/10.13128/ssf-13582

Abstract

The paper focuses on the issues of merit, explored in its complex polysemy, meritocracy, and skills, placing them in relation to those of – educational, social, economic, cultural – poverty and social disadvantage, which afflict, with considerable aggravation especially in the era of Sars-Cov-2 pandemic, even Italy. The essay consists of three paragraphs. In the first two, a reference framework is outlined, on the one hand relating to the polysemic concepts of merit, and meritocracy; on the other, to the situation of poverty and social inequalities in Italy. The third paragraph, which represents the heart of the paper, is linked to the abovementioned frameworks: it highlights the key role that a widespread, accessible, and high-quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) play, both in supporting children’s development, both promoting a democratic and inclusive society; a society characterized by effective “merit dynamics”, open to all, so as to promote skills development and, above all, social ascent and redemption.

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