Tokenism: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ค
tokenism
[ หtoส.kษ.nษช.zษm ]
social practice
Tokenism refers to the practice of making a superficial effort to be inclusive to members of underrepresented groups, often to avoid criticism or allegations of discrimination. This typically involves the inclusion of a small number of people from marginalized groups in a group or organization, but without providing them with genuine authority or opportunity for meaningful participation.
Synonyms
superficial inclusion, symbolic representation, window dressing
Examples of usage
- The company's tokenism was evident in their hiring practices, where they employed one woman for a predominantly male team.
- Critics argue that tokenism in diversity initiatives can undermine the real progress towards equality.
- Tokenism can lead to people from marginalized groups feeling patronized rather than genuinely included.
Translations
Translations of the word "tokenism" in other languages:
๐ต๐น tokenismo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคเคจเคฟเคเคผเฅเคฎ
๐ฉ๐ช Tokenismus
๐ฎ๐ฉ tokenisme
๐บ๐ฆ ัะพะบะตะฝัะทะผ
๐ต๐ฑ tokenizm
๐ฏ๐ต ใใผใฏใณไธป็พฉ
๐ซ๐ท tokenisme
๐ช๐ธ tokenismo
๐น๐ท tokenizm
๐ฐ๐ท ํ ํฐ์ฃผ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุชูููููุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ tokenismus
๐ธ๐ฐ tokenizmus
๐จ๐ณ ่ฑกๅพไธปไน
๐ธ๐ฎ tokenizem
๐ฎ๐ธ tokenismi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะพะบะตะฝะธะทะผ
๐ฌ๐ช แขแแแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ tokenizm
๐ฒ๐ฝ tokenismo
Etymology
The term 'tokenism' emerged in the 1960s during the civil rights movement in the United States, a period that saw increased awareness and advocacy for racial and gender equality. It derives from the word 'token', which historically refers to a symbol or sign representing a larger reality. The practice itself is often criticized for being a mere gesture rather than a commitment to real change, leading to a deeper examination of systemic issues. Over the years, tokenism has been discussed in various contexts, including gender equality, racial diversity, and representation in media and workplaces, highlighting the importance of genuine inclusion over symbolic gestures. The concept has also been adapted in discussions of social justice, prompting activists to challenge organizations and institutions that employ tokenism instead of fostering genuine diversity and inclusion.