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

These petty slights are unfair, and Simon should avoid credentialism when it comes to policymaking.

From Washington Post • Apr. 20, 2023

Graham is getting excellent vibes about her at the dump, where fleets of truck drivers are accosting him to share their takes on elite credentialism.

From Slate • Feb. 5, 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

The largest part of his stump speech was an attack on the system of student debt and the élitist culture of credentialism behind it.

From The New Yorker • Mar. 16, 2016

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