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

In “The Tyranny of Merit,” Harvard political philosophy professor Michael Sandel argued that the myth of American meritocracy and what he terms “credentialism” have been proved false, and that they’re unfair to boot.

From Los Angeles Times

Certainly, reducing education requirements is no panacea for the intertwined problems of college debt, excessive credentialism and racial inequity.

From Washington Post

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

From Washington Post

At the same time, they should be working against the credentialism and occupational licensing regimes that have turned colleges into gatekeepers to most of the good jobs.

From Washington Post