The Fate of Elite Idealism: Accommodation and Ideological Work at Harvard Law School

Abstract

Most self-described left-wing Harvard law students accept lucrative jobs in large corporate law firms rather than public service employment upon graduation. These students do not wish their career choice to be interpreted (either by themselves or by their peers) as evidence that they are hypocritical, unprincipled, materialistic, and/or uncaring. This paper outlines a series of psychological accommodation strategies these students use to create and manage role definitions in ways that reduce the tensions resulting from their career choices.

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