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An introduction to the Economics of Fake Degrees

Author

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  • Gilles Grolleau

    (LAMETA - Laboratoire Montpelliérain d'Économie Théorique et Appliquée - UM1 - Université Montpellier 1 - UPVM - Université Paul-Valéry - Montpellier 3 - INRA - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique - Montpellier SupAgro - Centre international d'études supérieures en sciences agronomiques - UM - Université de Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Montpellier SupAgro - Institut national d’études supérieures agronomiques de Montpellier)

  • Tarik Lakhal

    (IREDU - Institut de recherche sur l'éducation : Sociologie et Economie de l'Education - UB - Université de Bourgogne)

  • Naoufel Mzoughi

    (ECODEVELOPPEMENT - Unité de recherche d'Écodéveloppement - INRA - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique)

Abstract

This paper critiques the multifarious ways whereby academic qualifications may be falsified in the international marketplace. The objectives are fourfold: (1) defining the main terms used such as fake degrees and diploma mills; (2) providing a brief history of fake degrees and identifying the factors that explain their recent development; (3) developing a theoretical framework to analyze fake degrees; and (4) exploring the costs and benefits of this activity and its net impact on a given society. Degrees serve instrumental and ceremonial purposes. It is argued that degree holders may be considered as members of a club. They confer to their holders excludable but non-rival property rights such as abilities, signalingand status. The paper contends that holders of fake degrees can be considered as "free riders" on these property rights, especially the status tied to legitimate degrees.

Suggested Citation

  • Gilles Grolleau & Tarik Lakhal & Naoufel Mzoughi, 2008. "An introduction to the Economics of Fake Degrees," Post-Print halshs-00326238, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-00326238
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-00326238
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Van Duy Tran & Shingo Ata & Thi Hong Tran & Duc Khai Lam & Hoai Luan Pham, 2023. "Blockchain-Powered Education: A Sustainable Approach for Secured and Connected University Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-17, November.
    3. Rangi, Pradeep Kumar & Aithal, Sreeramana, 2020. "A Study on Blockchain Technology as a Dominant Feature to Mitigate Reputational Risk for Indian Academic Institutions and Universities," MPRA Paper 105347, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    4. Pu, Shuyi & Lam, Jasmine Siu Lee, 2023. "The benefits of blockchain for digital certificates: A multiple case study analysis," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).

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