Inheritocracy

This sharp, unflinching investigation dismantles the comfortable fiction of meritocracy, arguing that we now live in an era defined by the "bank of mum and dad." Eliza Filby presents a compelling case that parental wealth and support have become the decisive, yet largely unspoken, factors shaping modern life outcomes. Blending rigorous research with candid personal stories, the book explores how this intergenerational transfer of advantage influences everything from career paths and home ownership to dating and personal relationships. It's a sobering look at how family capital, rather than individual effort, is increasingly dictating the rules of the game.

Filby's work stands out for its refusal to treat this topic as a niche economic issue, instead framing it as a pervasive social force that affects everyone, regardless of their own family's financial standing. The book's power lies in its direct confrontation of a societal taboo, forcing a necessary conversation about privilege, class, and the real drivers of success. Young adults navigating an increasingly precarious economy will find this analysis both validating and clarifying, offering a new lens through which to understand their own struggles and advantages. This is essential reading for anyone trying to make sense of the modern world's uneven playing field.