In sociology, what is Academic Inflation?

 

This refers to the increase in minimum educational or academic qualifications required to apply for jobs and other formal roles in a society. Academic inflation is the result of more people entering college, which decreases the value of a basic degree. Consequently, people increasingly opt to pursue higher degrees to boost their educational credentials and their earning power, which in turn results in more years being spent by young people in academic institutions. The increasing demand among employers for academic credentials, rather than practical skills, could also contribute to the inflation in academic degrees.