What is nepotism and what are the costs of nepotism to society?
By Srirangam Sriram, Sriram's IAS, New Delhi.
Nepotism is favoritism that is granted to relatives or friends in various fields, including business, politics, entertainment, sports, religion and other activities. The term originated with the assignment of nephews to important positions by Catholic popes and bishops.
Nepotism has been criticized since the ancient times by several philosophers, including Aristotle and Confucius. For instance, the ancient Indian philosopher Valluvar condemned nepotism as both evil and unwise.
Nepotism refers to partiality to family whereas cronyism refers to partiality to an associate or friend. Favoritism, the broadest of the terms, refers to partiality based upon being part of a favored group, rather than job performance.
The costs to society are
Nepotism has been criticized since the ancient times by several philosophers, including Aristotle and Confucius. For instance, the ancient Indian philosopher Valluvar condemned nepotism as both evil and unwise.
Nepotism refers to partiality to family whereas cronyism refers to partiality to an associate or friend. Favoritism, the broadest of the terms, refers to partiality based upon being part of a favored group, rather than job performance.
The costs to society are
- It may perpetuate inequality and elitism
- Inferior people may occupy public office
- Quality of governance will erode
- Public faith in governance will crumble
- It is one of the worst forms of corruption
- National and ecological security will suffer.
Being such an enormous evil, laws forbids nepotism. For example, Constitution of India under Art.14 provides rule of law. Art.15 and 16 substantiate it. And so on.
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