From the graphs provided, comparing them makes no sense. Each should be taken own its own; i.e. At the start of college, 100% of the poor kids where in the lowest income percentile. At age 40, only 16% remain. Whereas, for the high school dropouts, only 14% remained in their income percentile (the highest) at age 40.
I think that describes a meritocracy very well. The opportunity is there - you have to work at it.
From the graphs provided, comparing them makes no sense. Each should be taken own its own; i.e. At the start of college, 100% of the poor kids where in the lowest income percentile. At age 40, only 16% remain. Whereas, for the high school dropouts, only 14% remained in their income percentile (the highest) at age 40.
I think that describes a meritocracy very well. The opportunity is there - you have to work at it.