Cliquishness

Cliuqishness refers to the state or quality of being cliquish, characterized by the formation of exclusive, tightly-knit groups, often with a shared interest, background, or social standing. It involves the tendency to exclude outsiders and prioritize interactions within the established group, fostering a sense of belonging among members while creating barriers for those deemed as 'different' or 'unworthy.' This behaviour can manifest in various settings, from schoolyards and workplaces to social circles and even online communities. Cliuqishness often involves gossip, exclusion, and an implicit or explicit enforcement of group norms. It can lead to social division, stifled creativity, and feelings of isolation for those excluded.

Cliquishness meaning with examples

• The high school's social scene was notorious for its cliquishness, with the popular crowd forming an impenetrable barrier. New students struggled to integrate, and even established classmates felt marginalized if they didn't conform to the group's specific interests, resulting in many feeling isolated and overlooked. This cliquish behavior significantly impacted the school's social climate.
• The corporate environment was plagued by cliquishness, with various departments operating in silos and fostering competitive secrecy. Information flowed poorly, decisions were made behind closed doors, and employees from different teams often felt alienated. The leadership's failure to address this fostered resentment and hindered collaboration.
• The online gaming community exhibited troubling instances of cliquishness, with established players forming elitist groups that actively excluded newcomers. Many who were less experienced found themselves subjected to ridicule, abuse, and constant exclusion from group play sessions which impacted how they spent their time.
• The local community theatre group was criticized for its cliquishness. Roles were frequently awarded to a select few who knew the director well. Other actors, regardless of their talent, were consistently overlooked. This led to a loss of creative diversity, as it prevented others from participating.