Concept in Definition ABC

In most social contexts there is a rule unwritten of a general nature: all people should be treated equally and without any privileges. However, in practice it is quite common for some individuals to enjoy certain advantages over others. When this happens, we talk about favoritism. As the same term indicates, it consists of favoring some and, directly or indirectly, harming others.

Classic examples of favoritism

A teacher has a preference for a student and gives him a grade for his exams that is higher than he really deserves.

A public official allows a friend do not wait for his turn and be attended by him without queuing.

A public company puts a service for the community up for auction and the person in charge of the public entity "pulls the strings" to favor a company owned by a friend of his.

An analysis of favoritism as a social phenomenon

In any of its forms, favoritism implies unfair behavior, since the principle of equality. When this principle is not respected, an injustice is being committed and in some cases a crime. In any circumstance, favoritism is a form of corruption.

The example of the teacher is a moderate level of favoritism and in some cases it may even have a certain justificationmoral (It might be legitimate to favor a student who has difficulty in learn, but at the same time trying to improve himself every day).

The example of the public official is already more serious, since all citizens are equal before the law and it is not reasonable for the official's friend to make a profit from his friendship. This type of favoritism is an irregularity that, in practice, is socially accepted as something normal (for Latinos it is a type of conduct very common, whereas for the Nordic mindset this is unacceptable behavior).

Favoritism in public management is no longer a matter of "cronyism", since this type of action is clearly criminal.

Nepotism and plug-ins

Nepotism is a favorable treatment towards someone, usually a family member or friend who is given a job. In the popular language of Spain, a very expressive equivalent term is used, enchufismo.

A "plugged in" in Spain is someone who gets a job or a position thanks to a friend, but this same word has another meaning in Latin America (for example, in Argentina someone "is plugged in" when he is ready to successfully perform a activity).

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