I think this conundrum goes away once you recognize that employers are looking for signals of conformity/​conscientiousness _AND_ for signals of other capabilities. Degrees in English and Economics may both show the ability to understand and follow ambiguous social rules, but Economics _ALSO_ shows some ability in math.
And, of course, you then run into the problem you state—employers are looking for different specific dimensions of conformity, creativity-within-bounds, and technical aptitude.
I think this conundrum goes away once you recognize that employers are looking for signals of conformity/​conscientiousness _AND_ for signals of other capabilities. Degrees in English and Economics may both show the ability to understand and follow ambiguous social rules, but Economics _ALSO_ shows some ability in math.
And, of course, you then run into the problem you state—employers are looking for different specific dimensions of conformity, creativity-within-bounds, and technical aptitude.