Educational equity in Singapore: meritocracy vs parentocracy

Stanley Hak-Hiang Koh

Chapter 8 in Neoliberalism, Inequality and Education, 2026, pp 141-164 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter examines Singapore's education system through the lenses of meritocracy and equity. Despite impressive economic growth, disparities in educational achievement across socioeconomic and ethnic groups persist, undermining the meritocratic ideal of equal opportunities based on merit. The influence of “parentocracy” – affluent families leveraging resources for academic advantage – and the prevalence of private tuition exacerbate inequalities in access to educational opportunities. While the Singapore government has implemented funding schemes and other policy initiatives to level the playing field, their impact has been limited by the parentocracy and a burgeoning shadow education industry. Recent moves towards an “inclusive meritocracy” broaden definitions of success and provide targeted support to the socio-economically disadvantaged; however, a change in the mindsets of parents and students and changes to societal culture are required. The chapter argues that Singapore's continued prosperity hinges on mitigating inequities through a coordinated, system-wide approach and societal acceptance of equity.

Keywords: Meritocracy; Neoliberalism; Parentocracy; Inequity; High-performing education system; Education policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035363711
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