The relationship between meritocratic beliefs and career outcomes: The moderating role of socioeconomic status

Based on a self-regulatory perspective, this study examined a serial mediation model in which meritocratic beliefs about social attainment were related to higher expected income via career goal clarity and goal persistence. In addition, we tested whether these potential relationships were stronger for young people from lower SES families. Using a sample of 251 young adults (66.5% male), we found, as expected, meritocratic beliefs were related to greater goal clarity and goal persistence, which, in turn, were related to higher expected salary. The relationships between meritocratic beliefs and goal clarity, persistence, and expected salary, as well as the serial mediation relationship, were stronger for those who perceived themselves to be less socially advantaged. Contrary to expectation, meritocratic beliefs only related indirectly to expected salary. These findings highlight the importance of meritocratic beliefs about social outcomes and SES in young people's career self-regulation.