Credentialism

Credentialism is a societal emphasis on formal qualifications, such as degrees, diplomas, or certifications, as the primary basis for evaluating individuals for employment, social status, or advancement. It often prioritizes the possession of credentials over demonstrable skills, experience, or merit. This phenomenon can lead to a devaluation of alternative forms of knowledge, skills acquired through practical experience, and on-the-job training, while simultaneously fostering educational inflation, where the required level of credentials for a particular job or social standing increases over time. It also impacts hiring practices and can impact societal mobility.

Credentialism meaning with examples

• Many employers now require a bachelor's degree for positions that previously needed only a high school diploma, illustrating the impact of credentialism. This has led to a situation where people are forced to take on debt to get a degree, and then the return on investment might be low with many underemployed people.
• The rise of credentialism often exacerbates existing social inequalities. People without access to higher education are at a disadvantage in the job market, regardless of their inherent capabilities. Furthermore, these credentialed institutions often have biased approaches that do not account for all people in society.
• Critics argue that credentialism fuels a focus on symbolic capital, where possessing credentials becomes more important than acquiring actual competence. For instance, certain training centers do not actually teach skills that are transferable to a profession, and a person only comes out with a certification.
• Credentialism can create a culture of competition and pressure to pursue increasingly higher levels of education, even if those credentials do not translate into tangible advantages or improved life outcomes, leading to degrees which are 'useless'. Thus this system often puts people in situations of financial duress.
• The impact of credentialism on the labor market is evident in hiring practices. Recruiters often screen candidates based on their formal qualifications, rather than considering the breadth of experience. This practice has the effect of marginalizing those who are already marginalized in society and therefore affects societal growth.