This is the goal. It isn't even a future one, it's here in the present. The crapness of the research doesn't matter. All that matters is the authority and prestige of the job or the qualifications. Whether it's an interview in the media over some pressing concern on women's issues or, worse, 'experts' contributing to government advisory panels, all that's needed is the PhD or the 'body of research' to exert the influence.