Member-only story
Do Credentials Always Matter?
The tyranny of credentialism
“Whether we are credentialist or non-credentialist, the amount of evidence that a credential gives us about someone’s ability depends on the field in question and on the quality of that credential.” — Clearer Thinking
Non-members can read here.
A credential, according to dictionary.com, is
- evidence of authority, status, rights, entitlement to privileges, or the like, usually in written form.
- anything that provides the basis for confidence, belief, credit, etc.
Credentialism believes in tying jobs, titles, and professions to academic qualifications. It can also be an ideology that overly emphasises formal training to legitimise trades and occupations.
Credentialism serves some purposes. It standardises skills, knowledge, and abilities based on academic training imparted by approved or formal institutions like schools, institutes, colleges, or universities. For example, a degree or a diploma is a credential. A certificate from a professional body is also a credential.
Credentialism checks quackery. I can read hundreds of medical text books, but that doesn’t make a doctor. I can share knowledge but can’t prescribe medicines, treat patients or perform surgeries.
