Definition
The controversial practice of universities hiring their own PhD graduates for faculty positions, creating insular intellectual echo chambers. Critics argue it stifles innovation and diversity of thought; defenders claim it maintains institutional culture and quality.
Example Usage
The history department is accused of academic incest—half the faculty earned their doctorates there.
Origin
Academic hiring discourse, term emerged in the mid-20th century
Fun Fact
Studies show departments with higher rates of academic incest produce less innovative research and have lower citation impacts.
Source: Academic hiring and institutional culture analysis
Related Terms
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