It is a silly article, but there is an important distinction that I think you're missing. In a typical hierarchical organization there is a clear heterogeneity in job skills. The fry cook at McDonalds does not have, and will likely never have, the skills necessary to become an executive. Similarly in a law firm the secretary cannot advance to become a law partner: he is not a lawyer. There is no expectation that the line worker would ever become the CEO, at least not without going back to school.
But in academia, and I suppose in a criminal gang, everyone has the same skillset. PhDs are notionally being trained with the specific abilities necessary to become a professor. Those at the very bottom have the capability to move to the very top, and likewise are hoping to do so.
But in academia, and I suppose in a criminal gang, everyone has the same skillset. PhDs are notionally being trained with the specific abilities necessary to become a professor. Those at the very bottom have the capability to move to the very top, and likewise are hoping to do so.