credentialism

American  

[kri-den-shuh-liz-uhm] / krɪˈdɛn ʃəˌlɪz əm /

noun

1. excessive reliance on credentials, especially academic degrees, in determining hiring or promotion policies.

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Etymology

Origin of credentialism

First recorded in 1965–70; credential + -ism

Example Sentences

Higher education, according to Sandel, can become a “sorting machine” that exaggerates credentialism and perpetuates privilege.

From Washington Post • Aug. 1, 2022

They work hard to discredit "lived experiences" because the world of credentialism has thus far blocked competition for them.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2021

News & World Report college rankings, in 1983, and the rise of the test-prep industry helped create a new culture of competitive credentialism.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 2, 2019

This can lead to an unimaginative, inflexible credentialism.

From Slate • Jan. 31, 2019

Though I have a bachelor's, a master's and a professional degree, I have belatedly come to understand that credentialism is starting to squeeze out the creative moxie that made this country great.

From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2015