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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.


Etymology

Origin of credentialism

First recorded in 1965–70; credential + -ism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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 • Jul. 21, 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

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

So I would start by reforming the admissions process to encourage curiosity, risk-taking, and independent-mindedness rather than hoop-jumping, conformity, and credentialism.

From Slate • Aug. 18, 2014

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