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clientelism

[/ˌklaɪənˈtɛlɪzəm/]
noun
clientelismo
1. A political system or practice in which political leaders, parties, or officials gain support by distributing patronage, favors, or resources to dependent clients in exchange for political loyalty or votes
The mayor's use of clientelism to distribute jobs to supporters undermined fair hiring practices.
O uso do clientelismo pelo prefeito para distribuir empregos aos apoiadores prejudicou as práticas de contratação justas.
2. A relationship of dependence and patronage where individuals or groups provide political support in exchange for benefits, resources, or protection from a patron
Clientelism has plagued many developing democracies, creating cycles of dependency rather than promoting merit-based governance.
O clientelismo tem afligido muitas democracias em desenvolvimento, criando ciclos de dependência em vez de promover governança baseada no mérito.
NYC Slang
machine politics, pay-to-play
Synonyms
patronagenepotismcronyismfavoritismparochialism
Antonyms
meritocracyimpartialityfairnessobjectivity

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
clientelismo
widely used in political discourse and academia
Rio de Janeiro
clientelismo
common in local politics discussions
São Paulo
clientelismo
prevalent in business and political contexts
Portugal
clientelismo
formal term used in political science and media

Related Idioms & Phrases

politics of patronage
favor-trading system
vote-buying scheme
sistema de trocas políticas
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