One of the fields I work in is science, and I'd say that 'selling-out' and 'promoting yourself' have always been two different things here, but it has seen simi

One of the fields I work in is science, and I'd say that 'selling-out' and 'promoting yourself' have always been two different things here, but it has seen similar cultural shifts as others have talked about. Self-promotion can be very important in science, and I think it can be driven by an enthusiasm and belief that you have something important to say that would help others in their research. Selling-out had a similar negative connotation in the 90s. Andrew Wakefield had 'sold-out' by associating himself with a business that severely undermined his authenticity. These days, cash-strapped universities encourage researchers to hawk themselves to nearby industry in the hope they can get funding and commercial interest, and many researchers are paid to stand up and talk about commercial products. Science very much relies on speaking honestly and in an balanced way, and combining this with financial interest adds extra strains to integrity.