Why did civil service positions go to people who were not related to other people of status?
Civil service positions often went to people who were not related to other people of status because these positions were intended to be based on merit, rather than hereditary privilege or personal connections. This approach ensured that qualified and talented individuals could rise through the ranks of the civil service, regardless of their social background or family connections.
The civil service system, which has its roots in ancient China, aimed to create a bureaucracy that was efficient, capable, and impartial. By selecting candidates through competitive examinations and appointing them based on their knowledge, skills, and abilities, the system was designed to prevent corruption, nepotism, and the concentration of power among the elite.
This merit-based approach fostered a sense of social mobility, enabling individuals from lower social strata to achieve positions of power and responsibility. It also helped to ensure that the civil service was staffed with competent and dedicated professionals who could effectively manage the affairs of the state.
In modern times, many civil service systems around the world continue to embrace these principles to some extent. They strive to recruit, retain, and promote talent based on merit, ensuring that civil service positions are accessible to all, regardless of their social or familial connections.