Clientelism
Definition
Clientelism refers to a political system where politicians exchange goods, services, or favors for the support and loyalty of individuals or groups. It is characterized by a patron-client relationship, where the politician acts as a patron who provides benefits in return for political support.
Analogy
Imagine clientelism as a "loyalty rewards program" at a coffee shop. The politician is like the barista who offers free drinks or discounts to regular customers (clients) in exchange for their continued loyalty and support.
Related terms
Patronage: Patronage is similar to clientelism, but it specifically refers to the practice of granting favors or positions of power in exchange for political support.
Political machine: A political machine is an organization that uses clientelism and patronage to maintain control over a specific region or constituency.
Vote buying: Vote buying involves offering money, gifts, or other incentives directly to voters in exchange for their votes. It is often associated with clientelistic practices.
"Clientelism" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (1)
- What is clientelism?
Resources
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