Elitism: meaning, definitions and examples
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elitism
[ɪˈliːtɪzəm ]
Definitions
in society
The belief that some individuals or groups are inherently superior to others and deserve special privileges or treatment. It often involves favoring the elite or high-status individuals over the common people.
Synonyms
aristocracy, exclusivity, snobbery.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| elitism |
Used when describing attitudes or policies of favoring a privileged group, often with a negative connotation.
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| snobbery |
Describes behavior or attitudes of people who believe they are superior to others based on their tastes, education, or social status, typically with a negative connotation.
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| aristocracy |
Refers to a class of people holding high social status due to noble birth or inherited wealth, typically in historical contexts or discussions of social classes.
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| exclusivity |
Used to describe the state of being limited to a select group, often in a neutral or positive context, emphasizing uniqueness or high quality.
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Examples of usage
- His elitism was evident in the way he only socialized with people from prestigious universities.
- The country's political system was criticized for its elitism, as it seemed to benefit only the wealthy and powerful.
- Elitism can lead to inequality and exclusion in society.
in organizations
The practice of favoring a select group of individuals within an organization based on their perceived superiority or status. This can lead to limited opportunities for those outside the elite circle.
Synonyms
discrimination, favoritism, nepotism.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| elitism |
Use this word when referring to a belief or attitude that a particular group of people with certain qualities or socio-economic status are superior to others.
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| favoritism |
Use this term when referring to the practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to one person or group at the expense of others.
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| nepotism |
This word is best suited for situations where people in power show favoritism to friends or family members, often by giving them jobs.
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| discrimination |
This word is appropriate when describing unfair or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, usually based on race, age, or gender.
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Examples of usage
- The company's culture of elitism made it difficult for new employees to advance in their careers.
- Elitism in the workplace can create a toxic environment of competition and resentment.
- Breaking down elitism within the organization is essential for promoting diversity and inclusion.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'elitism' came from 'elite,' which originally referred to the best and brightest, dating back to the 19th century.
- In French, 'élite' refers to the selected or chosen ones, emphasizing a sense of separation from the larger group.
- Elitism gained prominence during the Enlightenment when philosophers debated the roles of the privileged in society.
Sociology
- Sociologists study elitism to understand how power and privilege are distributed in society.
- Elitism can lead to social stratification, where classes are divided based on wealth, education, or social status.
- There's a debate about the positive aspects of elitism, such as creating leaders, versus the negative impact of exclusion.
Politics
- Political elitism suggests that a small number of elite individuals make decisions that heavily influence the whole population.
- Throughout history, many revolutions have sought to dismantle elitist systems where a few control the majority.
- Critics argue that elitism undermines democracy, as it can result in policies favoring the elite over the average citizen.
Education
- In education, elitism may manifest in exclusive institutions that only accept students from affluent backgrounds.
- Alternative educational philosophies advocate for inclusivity to combat elitist practices and promote equality.
- Gifted education programs sometimes face criticism for perpetuating elitism by separating students based on perceived ability.
Pop Culture
- Many movies explore themes of elitism, highlighting the struggles between the elite and the rest of society.
- Social media can amplify elitist views by showcasing extravagant lifestyles, leading to comparisons and feelings of inadequacy.
- Reality shows often spotlight elitist groups, creating a fascination with the lives of the 'rich and famous' and their separation from everyday life.
Translations
Translations of the word "elitism" in other languages:
🇵🇹 elitismo
🇮🇳 अभिजात्यवाद
🇩🇪 Elitismus
🇮🇩 elitisme
🇺🇦 елітизм
🇵🇱 elitaryzm
🇯🇵 エリート主義 (エリートしゅぎ)
🇫🇷 élitisme
🇪🇸 elitismo
🇹🇷 elitizm
🇰🇷 엘리트주의 (elliteujuui)
🇸🇦 النخبوية
🇨🇿 elitářství
🇸🇰 elitarizmus
🇨🇳 精英主义 (jīngyīng zhǔyì)
🇸🇮 elitizem
🇮🇸 elítismi
🇰🇿 элитизм
🇬🇪 ელიტიზმი
🇦🇿 elitarizm
🇲🇽 elitismo