Snobbery in the academics is alive and well it's doing harm.
Snobbery is a sense of superiority or exclusiveness, often expressed with condescending comments or actions that reject others. Snobbery is found throughout societies. Some people look down on those with less money or who live in a low-status suburb or who don’t speak with the right accent.
Snobbery in universities
You might imagine that universities would be free of snobbery, because everyone is involved in a quest for knowledge and scholars are supposed to make judgements about ideas, not about people. Anyone who has been around people in universities will soon hear plenty of stories to the contrary.
However, this type of snobbery has consequences beyond the immediate effects on people’s emotions. When teachers make belittling comments about students, it can cause some students to quit. Some junior scholars may even reject an academic career because of the patronising attitudes of senior figures.
https://theconversation.com/snobbery-in-the-academy-is-alive-and-well-and-doing-harm-32037Academic Snobbery
Snobbery in academia is a topic that raises valid concerns about the negative impact it can have on individuals and the academic community as a whole. While academia should ideally foster an environment of inclusivity, collaboration, and intellectual growth, instances of snobbery can hinder these goals. Here are some points to consider:
1. Exclusionary Attitudes: Snobbery in academia often manifests as a sense of superiority, where individuals belittle or dismiss the work and contributions of others. This exclusionary attitude creates barriers and prevents diverse voices from being heard, limiting the exchange of ideas and innovation.
2. Impact on Mental Health: Snobbery can contribute to a toxic academic culture, fostering feelings of inadequacy, imposter syndrome, and isolation among those who don't fit into certain academic circles or meet certain criteria. This can have detrimental effects on mental health and well-being.
3. Reproduction of Inequality: Snobbery can perpetuate existing inequalities within academia, favoring established scholars and prestigious institutions while marginalizing emerging researchers or those from underrepresented backgrounds. This hinders diversity, stifles fresh perspectives, and limits the opportunities available to aspiring scholars.
4. Hindrance to Collaboration: Academic snobbery can discourage collaboration and interdisciplinary work. When scholars prioritize their own field or institution over others, they miss out on the potential for cross-pollination of ideas and the collective advancement of knowledge.
5. Undermining Education: Snobbery in academia can undermine the primary goal of education, which is to foster learning and intellectual growth. When individuals are more concerned about maintaining elitist hierarchies and displaying intellectual superiority, it detracts from the collaborative learning environment that should be cultivated.
Addressing snobbery in academia requires collective effort from the academic community, institutions, and individuals. Promoting inclusivity, recognizing diverse perspectives, and encouraging respectful dialogue can help create a more supportive and inclusive academic environment. Emphasizing the value of collaboration, mentoring, and recognizing achievements beyond traditional measures can also contribute to combating snobbery and promoting a more inclusive and equitable academic culture.
When I did my PhD in Living with Faecal Incontinence, I was a nurse practitioner in bladder and bowel health. I had done my 1st degree and got a 1st, and a merit in my Masters and then got funding through the National Health Service to pursue my research. It had not been easy but lots of people (particularly 2 academics from the local university, but not the university where I was supervised from, and my manager and her personal assistant at work were brilliant).
I was usually quite popular with people who I associated with, but those who also received funding . . NO! They were mainly doctors (general practitioners - GPs) and apart from one very helpful and friendly GP, I did not feel to be part of their 'circle'. And nearly always sat by myself. But the one who was friendly was GREAT, bless him!
So, I think this is academic snobbery :-(.
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