Michael Young was a British sociologist known for his influential work in the fields of education and social policy. He co-founded the Institute of Community Studies in 1965, which focused on understanding social issues through community engagement. Young's research emphasized the importance of social mobility and the impact of education on individuals' life chances. One of his notable contributions is the concept of the meritocracy, which he explored in his book "The Rise of the Meritocracy." In this work, Young critiqued the idea that society rewards individuals solely based on their abilities and efforts, highlighting the role of social background in shaping opportunities.