The Average Joe is just a regular person who gets picked for a cool job because their friend or family member is in charge, it's like getting to play with your favorite toy because your mom is the one who picks the games.
What Is Government Nepotism?
Nepotism happens when someone gives a job or a special treat to a family member or a close friend, just because they're connected, not because they're the best at the job.
Imagine you and your brother both want to be the class president. But your brother gets picked even though he didn't win the most votes, just because he's your brother. That’s like nepotism in real life!
How Does It Work?
In government, a leader might pick their cousin or best friend for an important job, not because they're the smartest or hardest working person, but just because they know them well.
This can be fun if it's done fairly, but sometimes it feels like unfair play. It’s like when your friend gets to skip recess because they’re the teacher’s kid, and you have to stay outside all day!
Examples
- A mayor hires their own son as the city's new chief of staff without a proper interview process.
- A government worker gets promoted simply because they're married to the minister.
- A local school gives a scholarship to the daughter of the principal, even though she didn't apply.
Ask a question
See also
- Why is accountability challenging in Whitehall?
- What Makes a ‘Language’ Official?
- What is the Relatable?
- What is Government policy?
- Why Do Politicians Always Agree on Big Ideas but Disagree on Details?