noun
academic meritocracy; education-conscious society
Refers to a society where one's educational background (especially university prestige) heavily influences career and social status. Often carries a critical nuance of excessive emphasis on academic records.
日本は学歴社会だと言われることが多い。
It is often said that Japan is an academic meritocracy.
学歴社会の弊
We discuss the harmful effects of a society that overemphasizes academic background.