Clannism refers to a strong, often excessive, loyalty to one's own clan, family, or group, frequently prioritizing their interests above those of the wider community or society. It manifests as favoritism, preferential treatment, and a sense of obligation to support and defend clan members, sometimes even at the expense of fairness, justice, or ethical considerations. This can lead to nepotism, corruption, and social division, hindering cooperation and progress. The term highlights the potential for exclusion and prejudice based on group affiliation. It can be seen at a national, ethnic, tribal, or familial level.
Clannism meaning with examples
- In the political arena, the senator faced criticism for clannism when awarding lucrative government contracts solely to businesses owned by individuals from her home state, ignoring more competitive bids from other regions. This preferential treatment undermined fair competition and raised concerns about corruption.
- The village's long-standing tradition of clannism meant that employment opportunities and access to resources were largely determined by family lineage. Outsiders and those from rival clans struggled to gain acceptance, perpetuating economic inequality and social stagnation.
- The company's promotion practices were rife with clannism. Qualified individuals outside the CEO's social circle were consistently overlooked in favor of less experienced candidates with familial or friendship ties, leading to decreased morale and compromised productivity.
- Historical accounts of the feudal period often detail clannism as a major source of conflict. Powerful families, driven by clannish loyalties and a thirst for power, engaged in protracted wars and territorial disputes that devastated entire regions and brought immense suffering.