The practice of pursuing professional advancement and personal success above all else, often at the expense of principles or other values.
From career + -ism (suffix forming systems of thought or practice). Emerged in mid-20th century English as a critical term for the attitude of prioritizing career advancement.
Careerism became a major ideological criticism in 1950s-1970s literature and sociology—authors used it to critique the 'sell-out' culture where talented people abandoned principles for corporate success.
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