> I think what the author misses is the large institutional structure that restricts the supply of experts and (as a result) enhances their prestige. These days

> I think what the author misses is the large institutional structure that restricts the supply of experts and (as a result) enhances their prestige. These days, with the growing availability of technical information, existing systems of licensure, credentialing, and professionalization are breeding resentment on both sides of the lectern. I don't think you're correct. Ph.D.s are being produced at a 10:1 ratio relative to actual tenure track positions. If anything, Ph.D.s are being massively overproduced for a society that does not know what to do with (or want to pay for) the overqualified. http://www.economist.com/node/17723223 http://www.economist.com/node/17723223 http://www.astrobetter.com/nature-on-phd-overproduction/ http://www.astrobetter.com/nature-on-phd-overproduction/ http://mikethemadbiologist.com/2013/02/01/the-overproduction-of-phds-was-recognized-over-a-decade-ago/ http://mikethemadbiologist.com/2013/02/01/the-overproduction...