The Ivy League's Role in America's Class Structure

0:00 Introduction

The video examines the Ivy League's role in maintaining class structure in America, questioning whether these prestigious institutions serve as true meritocracies or merely as finishing schools for the elite. The creator shares personal biases stemming from his own experiences and explores how admissions processes favor privilege over merit.

2:28 Ivy League Admissions & Class

Historically, Ivy League schools were less selective due to their association with privilege. However, as demand for their degrees increased, so did selectivity. Although the schools aim to promote merit-based admissions, many students gain entry through legacy preferences, wealthy backgrounds, or costly extracurricular activities. The video highlights that over 60% of Ivy League students come from the top 1% of income earners, complicating the narrative of meritocracy.

10:29 Ivy League Alumni Representation in the Elite

The impact of Ivy League education extends into political and business sectors, with a significant percentage of U.S. Congress members, CEOs, and billionaires having attended these schools. The video emphasizes how Ivy League graduates dominate elite positions across various fields, reinforcing the idea that these institutions perpetuate a cycle of privilege and influence.