The Academic Inbreeding Phenomenon: Is Teaching at the Same University You Earned Your Degrees At a 'Bad Thing'?

When an academic teaches at the same university where they earned their degrees, it is often referred to as being an 'incestuous' hire. This phrase has been used to highlight the potential hindrances that such hiring practices might bring to academic institutions.

Historical Terminology and Myths

For instance, an academic who gets their bachelor's, master's, and doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) might be referred to as a 'Three Time Loser.' Interestingly, there's a lack of a specific term for those who continue into a professorship. This might be because, traditionally, such practices have been called 'incestuous,' and at one point, I believed this term was significant.

Personal Insights and Observations

I know two faculty members who both earned their degrees at the same institution and remain there. One left for a few years, while the other did not. The latter is, in fact, a research mentor to me. To my surprise, I have come to realize that the importance of this practice has been overblown. Although it may have been crucial once, the two people I am referring to are open-minded, brilliant, and highly successful. However, I have encountered situations where this internal hiring can lead to exploitation. The faculty member might not be given the same opportunities, partly due to their desire to stay geographically close to home.

Contradictory Views on Academic Inbreeding

Opponents of such practices argue that faculty should be exposed to a variety of ideas and approaches beyond where they were trained. When hiring directly from within, there is a risk of leading to derivative thinking. Cross-pollination and the introduction of new ideas from outside the institution are crucial. However, in some cases, internal hiring can also foster internal politics and fiefdoms based on relationships and allegiances rather than intellectual contributions and diversity of thought.

The core ideal of academia is the belief that the truth is discovered through the conflict of ideas. Too many faculty from the same intellectual root can stifle new ideas and insights. Thought can become dogmatic and rigid, resembling religious orders with prescribed dogmas.

In conclusion, while the term 'incestuous' hire might carry historical connotations, its application today may not necessarily outweigh the benefits of hiring from a diverse pool of candidates. The key, in my opinion, is to balance the need for geographic and intellectual diversity with the stability and continuity of the institution.

Key Takeaways

Academic inbreeding refers to hiring at the same university where one earned their degrees. Traditionally, such practices might be referred to as 'incestuous hiring.' The ideal of academia is to foster diverse ideas and avoid dogma.

Further Reading

If you are interested in exploring this topic further, consider reading about cross-pollination in academia, the benefits of intellectual diversity, and the importance of academic freedom.