Clientelism

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: [klaɪ.n̩ˈtɛl.ɪ.zm̩]

Definitions

1. A political system wherein specific groups receive targeted benefits in exchange for their sustained support and loyalty
2. A practice within political systems where benefits are allocated to particular groups as a trade-off for their ongoing allegiance and assistance
3. A mechanism in politics through which certain groups gain preferential treatment in return for their continued backing and support

Etymology: "Clientelism" is built from "clientele" plus the suffix "-ism," which makes it a formal, somewhat technical term for a system of exchanging favors for political or social support. The base word "clientele" comes from Latin "clientela," meaning a body of clients, and in Roman society a "cliens" was a dependent who owed loyalty and service to a wealthy patron in return for protection and assistance. The English "clientele" was borrowed from French and came to mean a group of customers or followers, and the political sense of the Roman relationship is what gives "clientelism" its meaning. The suffix "-ism" marks a system, practice, or doctrine, so "clientelism" names the pattern of patron-client relationships as a way of organizing politics or society rather than the people involved. Because the word was formed in modern English from an existing base, it reflects the Roman idea of the patron and client rather than a single historical event.

Synonyms: patronage, nepotism, favoritism, political patronage, client politics