The credential society

In 'The Credential Society,' Randall Collins argues that the expansion of American education has not increased social mobility but rather created a cycle of credential inflation.

Collins examines how credentialing closes high-status professions to new arrivals and how public schools are socializing institutions that teach and reward middle-class values.

The book discusses the consequences of credential inflation, including grade inflation, rising educational costs, and misleading job promises.

Collins also addresses recent developments and alternative pathways for the future of education in a new preface to the 2019 edition.